Gachagua: Police Officers Who Teargassed President Ruto Have Asked for Forgiveness

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says police officers who teargassed President Ruto at a church service in Kenol, Murang’a County in 2020 have asked for forgiveness.

Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Karigu-ini in Murang’a on Sunday, Gachagua said the officers reached out to him on Saturday seeking forgiveness and admitted that they were under instructions from their seniors.

“The police and the administrative officers who were instructed to throw teargas at you, at our Bishops, they reached out to me last night and asked for forgiveness because walitumika vibaya and it was not their wish to cause the disgrace,” said Gachagua.

The deputy president apologized to President Ruto, leaders and the members of clergy who were teargassed after rival youth groups clashed outside the church.

“Your Excellency, you were our visitor and because you were shamed on behalf of the leaders and residents of Mt Kenya region, we ask for forgiveness. Please find it in your heart to forgive us,” Gachagua said.

He added: “To our church leaders, you know the tear gas would not have been thrown into a church if the President and we had not been here… We would like the church to forgive us for that disgrace of the altar in a holy place…Our churches and clergy will get the respect they deserve from the government.”

The incident happened at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kenol, where Ruto and other leaders had attended a fundraiser on October 4th, 2020.