Opposition to Return to Othaya One Week After Gachagua Church Attack

The United Opposition will return to Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, a week after a violent incident disrupted a church service attended by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

Opposition leaders say the visit is intended to assert their right to assemble freely and to challenge what they describe as intimidation directed at their supporters. The coalition maintains that last Sunday’s violence at ACK Witima Church was a targeted attack and not an isolated security lapse.

The leaders are expected to revisit the area despite security concerns, arguing that political violence should not determine where citizens or leaders can gather. They say the decision reflects a refusal to retreat from public spaces where violence has occurred.

Ahead of the visit, opposition principals held talks with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to seek assurances on security arrangements. They have insisted that the police must guarantee the safety of worshippers and residents, particularly following the disruption of the church service in Witima, where gunfire and tear gas forced congregants to flee.

Speaking at Wakulima Market on Friday, Mr Gachagua said the coalition would proceed with its plans in Othaya and expected the authorities to provide adequate security. He said the opposition had already informed the relevant agencies of its intentions.

According to an itinerary released by Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Patriotic Front, the tour will begin with a church service at ACK Gitugi in Mathioya Constituency, Murang’a County. Organisers say the service is meant to affirm the right to worship in safety and without interference.

The leaders will later hold a public meeting in Gitugi Town before travelling to Othaya in the afternoon. The Othaya engagement is expected to be the most politically sensitive part of the tour, given the events of the previous week.

The delegation will include Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.