'Violence is unacceptable,' Murkomen says Gachagua attackers to be dealt with

The church service was disrupted after persons believed to be police officers in plain clothes began lobbing teargas and firing gunshots.

In a statement on Sunday evening, Murkomen condemned the breach of the church's sanctity, characterizing the events as a direct assault on democratic values.

“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” said the Interior CS. 

The Cabinet Secretary said he has since held discussions with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted immediately and perpetrators brought to book. 

“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation,” Murkomen added. 

The CS called for calm in Nyeri as law enforcement agencies address the matter

“As a Government, we remain firmly committed to upholding the tenets of democracy, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship.” 

Gachagua had earlier blamed his former boss, President William Ruto for the chaos, pointing to an assassination attempt. 

“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and torched my vehicles,” Gachagua wrote in a tweet shortly after the attack.

The attack has also been condemned by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who accused President Ruto of supporting the unrest. 

He wondered how persons in plain clothes accessed teargas canisters, which are normally a preserve of the Kenya Police Service. 

The former Vice President warned the Head of State against the misuse of public institutions to fight political battles.

“I plead with fellow Kenyans to reject the capture of the church, attacks on holy places and throwing of teargas,” Kalonzo said.