DP Kindiki Versus Gachagua
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has firmly dismissed allegations tying him to an officer accused of inciting violence at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri, countering claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On Monday, January 26, Gachagua posted a photo of a man he alleged was an officer linked to Kindiki, suggesting that the Deputy President was involved in the incident.
“Bwana saprano (Kindiki), I hear you’re calling for investigations. This is your officer who led the attack at Witima ACK Church. You’re part of the conspiracy,” he asserted.
In response, Kindiki strongly rejected these claims, labeling them as unfounded, accusing Gachagua of desperation, and reaffirming his long-standing stance against political violence.
He denied any knowledge of the individual in the photo and dismissed any implication of his involvement in the violent events.
Gachagua Alleges Use of Tear Gas and Bullets During Church Service in Othaya
“Good evening, Wamitego (Gachagua): the image you have circled is not of any officer or staff attached to me. I don’t know who that is. I know you are desperate to associate me in whatever way with the criminal act involving you yesterday. Unfortunately for you, this is not where to find me,” he said.
Kindiki went on to restate his principled stance against the use of violence in politics and distanced himself from any such methods.
“I condemned and will continue to condemn the backward behaviour of the use of violence to transact politics, whether by notam, haftam, wantam, or tutam people. I don’t use violence to do politics – and I have been in politics longer than you. Instead, I use logic, persuasion, and consensus,” he added.
Kindiki has urged Gachagua to steer clear of confrontational politics, stressing the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the chaos.
“Just focus on your work, and please don’t drag me into a showdown because we have different ways of doing things. Once again, those who instigated the violence must face consequences before they inflict more damage on our nation,” he added.
In the aftermath of the incident, the National Police Service (NPS) provided details about the chaotic event that interrupted the church service.
The disruption, which took place around 11 am, caught national attention, especially since several political figures, including Gachagua, were in attendance at the time.
In their statement, the police called the incident regrettable and unacceptable, explaining that a teargas canister was thrown into the church during the service, leading to panic and property damage.
The National Police Service (NPS) has expressed deep concern over a regrettable incident that occurred around 11 am at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, where several political figures, including DCP leader Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, were present.
According to police reports, during the church service, a teargas canister was reportedly thrown inside the building, causing a significant disruption. Additionally, there were reports of damage to several vehicles within the church compound.
In response, senior commanders acted swiftly, directing criminal investigators and internal affairs officers to address the situation.
“The Regional Police Commander for Central promptly instructed the Nyeri Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) to secure the scene and begin investigations. The Inspector General of the National Police Service, upon learning of the incident, has also directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to act quickly and start their investigations with the urgency it deserves. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries. This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in our country,” the statement emphasized.
Moreover, the police issued a stern warning to those responsible for the disruption, underscoring that violence has no place in places of worship and that anyone found accountable will face the full consequences of the law.
“The NPS wants to remind all Kenyans that it condemns violence in any form. Those who are found to have caused this disgraceful disruption of the church service will be dealt with firmly and swiftly according to the law. Churches are sanctuaries and should remain free from political disputes or any form of violence,” the statement concluded.
DP Kindiki Versus Gachagua
