A section of leaders from Nyeri county are now calling for a thorough probe into circumstances that led to chaos witnessed at Witima ACK Church in Othaya during yesterday’s Sunday service.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance during the church service, when skirmishes erupted that also saw the stoning of several vehicles by individuals suspected to be goons.
Gachagua alongside his supporters later blamed police for the chaos, alleging that little was done to avert the violence that forced worshippers and clerics scamper to safety.
While reacting to the incident, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has called for prompt and thorough investigations into the chaos which he described as unfortunate and uncalled for.
He noted that while Rigathi is no longer a public officer, he just like anyone else should be guaranteed of his security and also be at liberty to visit any part of the country without fear of attack.
He has nevertheless urged the public to remain calm and allow police to dig into the root cause of what transpired at the scene of the incident to ensure appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators of the violence.
“I wish to condemn these atrocious and uncalled for attacks on Rigathi Gachagua and his team in a church in Witima. The former Deputy President has a democratic and constitutional right to visit any part of this country, attend church in any region and associate with anyone of his choice. I urge the people of this county and country to be patient,” he posted on his official Facebook page.
Kahiga, an erstwhile close confidant to Rigathi also clarified that he never attended the service as he had not been given an official invite.
On her part, Nyeri Women Representative, Rahab Mukami has called for utmost reverence for houses of worship saying wat happened at Witima ACK church is regrettable and unacceptable.
Mukami has therefore urged leaders in the country to accord places of worship dignity, protection, and the tranquility they deserve, and conduct any other business outside the precincts of hallowed places.
She stated that while political differences may create schisms between leaders, such ideologies should not lead to violent confrontations that may lead to the loss of lives.
“I strongly condemn taking political confrontations into places of worship, including the use of tear gas in churches. Such actions are reckless, wrong, and endanger innocent worshippers. Political differences are part of democracy, but they must be handled responsibly and with respect,” she posted on her Facebook account.
“Those with political disagreements should resolve them outside places of worship and allow churches to remain spaces of unity, reflection, and mutual respect. Let us choose restraint, humanity, and respect for one another,” she said.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has since directed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja to launch investigations into the chaos, witnessed at Witima Church and ensure those behind the violence are brought to book.
Murkomen also condemned the events that transpired inside and outside the church, forcing worshippers to scamper for safety after tear gas and gun shots rent the air warning that such incidents are unacceptable at a place of worship.
“I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who has assured me that investigations are underway with the urgency this matter deserves and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” directed Murkomen.
The CS also ordered security agents to move with speed and ensure those behind Sunday’s chaos are apprehended and taken to court regardless of the social or political standings in the country.
He assured of the government’s commitment in upholding the tenets of democracy including the liberty allowing Kenyans the freedom to worship.
“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation.
As a government, we remain firmly committed to upholding the tenets of democracy including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship. I urge members of the public in the area to remain calm as law enforcement agencies address the matter,” he stated.
By Samuel Maina
