President William Ruto has cautioned politicians against politicizing church services following violent attacks that happened at an Anglican Church of Kenya church in Central Kenya on Jan. 25. The incident at Watima ACK Church involved an armed group that stormed the church compound and disrupted the Sunday service that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians were attending.
Speaking at another church service in PEFA All Nations Gospel Church in Nairobi on Sunday, Feb. 1, Ruto said that politicians have all the right to seek elective posts but to also respect the places of worship. “It is a place that deserves respect. Let’s not usher in politics, hatred and conflicts,” the head of state said. “All arms of security must ensure that our places of worship are protected from unnecessary, useless and retrogressive fights and politics.”
Last week’s chaos at the Watima church has drawn condemnation from the local clergy and underscored the undercurrents of the Kenyan political scene.
Bishop Gerald Mwangi Muriithi, who leads the Mount Kenya West Diocese of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) overseeing the Witima ACK church strongly condemned the incident. “As a church, we have seen instances involving police and goons in the public on several occasions and mostly in political matters. Has the police service been compromised and held hostage by the goons and militia in this country?” the Bishop asked.
“We therefore condemn, with the strongest word possible, the heinous act of disrupting the church service by goons accompanied by police. In this regard, we demand the following: We demand that the Inspector General or police conduct a speedy and a thorough investigation of the whole matter with possible prosecutions of all those who are found culpable,” he added.
The Bishop emphasized that the church expects political leaders to uphold tolerance to safeguard the nation’s peace and stability. He stressed the need to respect and protect all clergy, and insisted that political or personal disputes should never be played out in places of worship.
He also called for a formal apology from all relevant security agencies and political leaders implicated in the incident, condemning the attack as both criminal and shameful.
Civil society and religious organizations also weighed in, condemning the disruption of worship. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) called for accountability and respect for constitutional freedoms.
“The National Council of Churches of Kenya strongly condemns the disruption of the worship service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Witima Parish, Nyeri County, on Sunday Jan. 25, 2026. The National Police Service violated the constitutional right to worship as provided for under Article 32 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010),” the report from NCCK said.
The body outlines several occasions since 2020 where the church was at the center of attacks mainly from the national police service, stating that it is a worrying concern. “NCCK avers that the deliberate, unwarranted, and unprovoked lobbing of teargas canisters at worshippers in a place of worship is not only illegal and unconstitutional but an attack on the body of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who is our Lord and Savior,” it added.
The NCCK demanded a formal apology from the Interior Minister and the Police Inspector General to both the Church and Kenya’s wider religious community. The council also called for the rapid investigation, interdiction, and prosecution of all police officers involved in attacks on churches during worship.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) criticized the use of tear gas inside a church as unlawful and unjustified. The incident has sparked debate nationwide over the politicization of public spaces and the risks posed when political rivalries intersect with religious gatherings.
Gachagua, a former Ruto ally turned foe, claimed the attack was an alleged assassination attempt, blaming rogue officers for orchestrating violence against him. The incident intensified political tensions in Central Kenya, highlighting the fragility of public order during high-profile political appearances. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear, with some alleging that the incident may have been orchestrated to create political drama.
Political reactions were immediate and sharply divided. Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi accused Gachagua’s camp of staging the chaos, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki condemned the incident, labeling the attackers as “criminals in cassocks” and criticizing elements within Gachagua’s supporters.
