OTHAYA, Kenya – Tensions reached a breaking point in Nyeri County on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after rowdy youths reportedly attempted to disrupt a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.The incident occurred at the ACK St. Paul’s Church in Kariki, Othaya, where Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), had joined worshippers for a Sunday morning service. The confrontation highlights the deepening political rift in the Mt. Kenya region as the 2027 General Election cycle begins to heat up.
Chaos at ACK St. Paul’s Church
According to eyewitnesses, the service was proceeding peacefully until a group of rowdy individuals arrived at the church gates. The situation quickly escalated into a shouting match between Gachagua’s supporters and the group, with reports of stones being hurled and physical altercations breaking out outside the sanctuary.Security teams for Rigathi Gachagua moved swiftly to secure the former Deputy President, whisking him to safety as the skirmish intensified. Local residents, many of whom remain fiercely loyal to “Riggy G,” confronted the disruptors, leading to a standoff that lasted nearly an hour before local police intervened to restore order.
“We were here to worship, but some people want to turn the house of God into a battlefield. We will not allow our leader, Rigathi Gachagua, to be intimidated in his own backyard,” said one congregant who witnessed the melee.
Political Betrayal in Nyeri?
The attack comes at a time of significant political shifts in Nyeri. During the same weekend, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, once a staunch ally of Gachagua, officially announced his return to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, pledging his support for President William Ruto’s 2027 reelection bid.Gachagua, who has reinvented himself as a key opposition figure since his impeachment in late 2024, has been traversing the Mt. Kenya region to consolidate his “Villager” base. This latest incident in Othaya is being viewed by his allies as a “state-sponsored” attempt to silence him.
Rigathi Gachagua Responds
Addressing a crowd later in the afternoon, Rigathi Gachagua condemned the violence, calling it a desperate move by his political detractors.
- On the Attack: “Using goons to attack me in a church is a new low for this administration. If you want to face me, face me on the platform of ideas, not with stones and hired youths.”
- On Political Intimidation: “The people of Mt. Kenya are wise. They know who is fighting for them and who has sold their soul for power.”
Impact on Mt. Kenya Politics
This is not the first time a Gachagua-attended event has turned chaotic. Similar incidents have been reported in Gatundu South and Kariobangi North over the past few months. Analysts suggest that the frequent disruptions are a sign of the high stakes involved as Gachagua seeks to reclaim his title as the Mt. Kenya kingpin against the current administration’s influence.Rigathi Gachagua continues to maintain a high-profile presence in the region, despite the mounting pressure from his former allies.