Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using state security to intimidate him and his supporters, following a chaotic incident at a church service in Kiambu County where police reportedly deployed teargas.
Gachagua made the claims on Sunday, January 11, 2026, while addressing worshippers at AIPCA Kiamuoria Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County. Congregants reported panic near the church as teargas affected women, children, and other attendees, sparking outrage among locals.
Speaking in Kikuyu and Swahili, Gachagua reassured the congregation and apologized to those impacted. He condemned the repeated use of teargas in places of worship and directly blamed President Ruto for the intimidation.
“Msijali, poleni sana watoto na kina mama wale wameguzwa na teargas. Hii imekuwa ni tabia ya William Ruto kupiga watu kanisani,” Gachagua said.
He praised Kiamuoria residents for standing firm and refusing to be intimidated, thanking young people and churchgoers who attended the service despite the tense environment. Gachagua also questioned the presence of police at the scene, suggesting they were protecting vehicles allegedly sent to disrupt the gathering.
“And we are surprised that the police are guarding them. The vehicles they came with are being protected by police,” he said.
Gachagua issued a pointed warning to the president, insisting that intimidation would not alter the political climate in Mt Kenya. He said attempts to scare residents would only strengthen their resolve.
“William Ruto, tafadhali, even if you beat us, even if you send goons, your time here in the mountain is over. The more you intimidate these people, the more determined they are to send you home,” he added.
The church confrontation followed earlier warnings from Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) economic and planning adviser Peter Mbae, who claimed plans were underway to disrupt Gachagua’s church visit and rallies in Gatundu South.
In a social media statement, Mbae alleged that organizers had mobilized goons and paid local youth to attack their own leaders while funders watched from a distance.
“Tunapiganishwa wenyewe kwa wenyewe Mt Kenya while the ones who give money are watching from a safe distance,” Mbae said, urging residents to gather peacefully at AIPCA Gatundu. He also shared images and videos showing metal barriers being welded on roads, which he said were meant to block Gachagua’s movement during his Mt Kenya tour.
Sunday’s events add to a string of confrontations involving the former Deputy President. In recent days, Gachagua faced attacks in Nyeri and Kagio, Kirinyaga County, where rowdy youths blocked his motorcade, forcing him to wear a helmet for protection.
Gachagua has since criticized Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of allowing politicians to manipulate the National Police Service.
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