Nominated Senator Veronica Maina has placed responsibility for the security breach that disrupted a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, squarely on the office of the Inspector General of Police, calling for accountability over what she termed a dangerous escalation of violence in public spaces.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at St Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, where tear gas was reportedly released during a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The chaos forced Gachagua’s security team to whisk him to safety as congregants fled the sanctuary in panic.
In a statement shared on her social media platforms on Tuesday, Senator Maina said Inspector General Douglas Kanja bears ultimate responsibility for the events that unfolded, regardless of who physically deployed the tear gas canisters.
“These attacks have taken a different dimension,” Maina stated.
In a statement shared on her social media platforms on Tuesday, Senator Maina said Inspector General Douglas Kanja bears ultimate responsibility for the events that unfolded, regardless of who physically deployed the tear gas canisters.
“These attacks have taken a different dimension,” Maina stated.
“Whether the tear gas was lobbed by police officers or by a group of marauding individuals, the Inspector General’s office remains responsible for rendering a full public account of what transpired.”
She described the incident as a grave breach of security and dignity, noting that the service was attended by children, nursing mothers, elderly worshippers, clergy, and other congregants who had gathered peacefully for worship.
She described the incident as a grave breach of security and dignity, noting that the service was attended by children, nursing mothers, elderly worshippers, clergy, and other congregants who had gathered peacefully for worship.
According to the senator, exposing such a mixed congregation to tear gas inside a place of worship placed innocent lives at risk and violated the sanctity of religious institutions.
Maina warned that the use of force in sacred spaces signals a worrying trend in the handling of public order, arguing that churches and other places of worship should remain neutral and protected zones, even amid heightened political tensions.
“The deployment of tear gas in a church represents a serious violation of the sanctity of worship and the safety of congregants,” she said, adding that security agencies must exercise restraint unless there is a clear and imminent threat that cannot be managed through other means.
The senator further called for swift and transparent investigations into the incident, urging police leadership to ensure that anyone found culpable—whether a serving officer or civilian—is held fully accountable.
Maina warned that the use of force in sacred spaces signals a worrying trend in the handling of public order, arguing that churches and other places of worship should remain neutral and protected zones, even amid heightened political tensions.
“The deployment of tear gas in a church represents a serious violation of the sanctity of worship and the safety of congregants,” she said, adding that security agencies must exercise restraint unless there is a clear and imminent threat that cannot be managed through other means.
The senator further called for swift and transparent investigations into the incident, urging police leadership to ensure that anyone found culpable—whether a serving officer or civilian—is held fully accountable.
She cautioned against attempts to shield individuals involved, insisting that criminal liability must be addressed decisively.
“We expect speedy investigations and full accountability,” Maina said. “Those found criminally responsible should face the full force of the law, without exception.”
She also noted that the Othaya incident was not isolated, pointing to previous cases where violence or heavy-handed policing had spilled into religious gatherings.
“We expect speedy investigations and full accountability,” Maina said. “Those found criminally responsible should face the full force of the law, without exception.”
She also noted that the Othaya incident was not isolated, pointing to previous cases where violence or heavy-handed policing had spilled into religious gatherings.
Such occurrences, she said, undermine public trust in security institutions and erode the sense of safety in communal spaces.
The attack on Gachagua has continued to draw sharp reactions across the political divide. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was the first senior government official to condemn the incident, announcing that he had summoned Inspector General Kanja to fast-track investigations into the matter.
However, Gachagua later dismissed Murkomen’s assurances, questioning the credibility of investigations conducted by a government he accused of being complicit in the attack.
Senator Maina has now joined a growing list of leaders demanding answers, as pressure mounts on the National Police Service to explain how a church service descended into chaos under its watch.
The attack on Gachagua has continued to draw sharp reactions across the political divide. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was the first senior government official to condemn the incident, announcing that he had summoned Inspector General Kanja to fast-track investigations into the matter.
However, Gachagua later dismissed Murkomen’s assurances, questioning the credibility of investigations conducted by a government he accused of being complicit in the attack.
Senator Maina has now joined a growing list of leaders demanding answers, as pressure mounts on the National Police Service to explain how a church service descended into chaos under its watch.
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