Tensions Rise in Kenya as Ex-Deputy President Claims Assassination Attempt

Mon Feb 02 2026 18:23:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua alleges an assassination attempt during a church service, accusing rogue police officers and the current president of orchestrating the attack.

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's former deputy president, has reported an assassination attempt during a church service in Othaya, accusing a gang of rogue police officers. The incident, involving tear gas and gunfire, has heightened tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto. While no injuries have been reported, Gachagua's claims have sparked investigations and draw attention to ongoing political strife in the country.

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has alleged there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was sacked as deputy president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed a gang of rogue police officers had attacked the church in Othaya in the central county of Nyeri, using bullets and tear gas.

Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally President William Ruto of ordering the attack. Ruto has not commented but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

The police reported that an investigation had been launched and stated that no injuries had been reported.

Reports indicate that a tear-gas canister was thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT), disrupting the service. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged within the church compound, with police appealing for witnesses.

Gachagua is a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya area and has become a vocal critic of the president, claiming he was escorted to safety by his security team.

He had posted photos of the incident on X and later held a news conference where he dismissed suggestions from pro-government bloggers that the attack had been stage-managed.

Murkomen stated that the police chief promised to bring the attackers to justice, emphasizing that violence in places of worship is unacceptable.

According to Kenya's constitution, Gachagua's conviction by the Senate prevents him from holding public office again. He pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, but was found guilty of five, including inciting ethnic divisions.

Gachagua maintains he will be on the presidential ballot next year as he appeals the decision.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected on a joint ticket in 2022, which helped Ruto secure the presidency by uniting support among the Kikuyu people, the largest voting bloc in Kenya.