Ruto Under Fire as Former Chief Justice Maraga Demands Apology for Witima Church Attack

President William Ruto is facing renewed criticism after former Chief Justice David Maraga demanded a public apology over the teargas incident at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri on Sunday, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance.

In a strongly worded statement on X, Maraga accused the government of violating basic standards of decency by allowing police officers to lob teargas at worshippers inside a church. 

He said the incident, which affected men, women, children and the elderly, reflected a dangerous decline in governance and respect for human rights.

Maraga called on President Ruto to apologise publicly to Kenyans, and specifically to the Witima Church congregation. 

He further demanded that officers involved in the operation be identified, arrested and arraigned in court within 24 hours, arguing that failure to act would entrench impunity within the security agencies.

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The Sunday incident occurred during a church service that Gachagua was attending, triggering panic as teargas filled the sanctuary and forced congregants to flee. 

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gas caused choking and confusion, disrupting worship and drawing condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups and members of the public.

The incident has intensified debate over the conduct of security agencies at politically sensitive gatherings, particularly in spaces protected under the Constitution, such as places of worship. 

Critics argue that the use of force in such settings undermines public trust in law enforcement and weakens democratic norms.