Kenya’s opposition has warned that it will organize nationwide protests within two weeks if the government fails to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the recent attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The warning follows an incident on January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Gachagua was attending a church service.
According to opposition leaders, chaos erupted after tear gas was fired and live bullets were allegedly used near the church. Several people were injured, vehicles were damaged, and worshippers were forced to flee for safety.
On Friday, leaders from the United Opposition held a closed-door meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to demand action. After the meeting, they accused the government of failing to protect opposition leaders and claimed there has been a pattern of targeted and coordinated violence against Gachagua, his family, and supporters.
Rigathi Gachagua, now a leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said the opposition had given the police until mid-February to arrest, disarm, and charge officers they believe were involved in the attack.
He warned that if no action is taken, the opposition will call for mass demonstrations across the country until senior security officials, including the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General, are removed from office.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka cautioned that continued attacks on opposition leaders could destabilize the country. He said any attempt to assassinate a national leader would have serious consequences for Kenya’s peace and unity.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua accused the National Police Service of engaging in political intimidation instead of protecting citizens. She called on the police to act professionally and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
The opposition has also written a detailed letter to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto. In the letter, they listed 23 alleged attacks against Gachagua and his supporters between November 2024 and January 2026.
Some of these incidents reportedly occurred in the presence of police officers, and in some cases, the opposition claims police may have assisted the attackers.
The letter describes the Witima Church incident as a possible assassination attempt and claims it was planned by a special police unit known as “Sierra.” The opposition named at least 15 individuals they accuse of planning and carrying out the attack.
They also cited similar incidents in several counties, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Meru, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Narok, involving tear gas, live ammunition, and alleged police violence.
Among their demands are independent investigations into all the reported attacks, suspension and prosecution of those involved, improved security for Gachagua and the public, and reforms to restore trust in the country’s security agencies.
After meeting the police leadership, opposition figures addressed a rally at Wakulima Market in Nairobi, urging supporters to be ready for protests if their demands are ignored. They said demonstrations would take place across the country, from western Kenya to the coast and northern regions.
The opposition has also announced a series of “meet the people” tours, starting with a church service in Nyeri County, as pressure continues to mount on the government to respond to the allegations and ensure the safety of political leaders and citizens.
