President William Ruto has issued a strong warning against the use of churches as venues for political violence, following a dramatic disruption of a church service in Nyeri County. The president said places of worship must remain zones of peace, respect, and spiritual reflection, free from political confrontation and intimidation.
Speaking during a church service, Ruto condemned the incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, where worshippers were forced to flee after tear gas canisters were detonated inside the sanctuary. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and involved several politicians who were attending the service.
The president’s remarks come amid rising concern over the politicisation of religious spaces and growing tension around church gatherings involving political leaders.
President Ruto Condemns Church Political Violence
President Ruto emphasised that while politics is a legitimate part of democratic life, it has no place in churches. He said mixing political rivalry with worship undermines national unity and violates the freedom of religion guaranteed to all Kenyans.
“We can practise politics, we can look for leadership, but when it comes to church, that should be a place of respect,” Ruto said. He added that churches must remain environments where people seek God without fear, hatred, or chaos.
According to the president, turning places of worship into battlegrounds for political disputes is both retrogressive and dangerous. He warned that such actions erode social cohesion and threaten the moral fabric of the nation.
Details of the ACK Witima Church Incident
The incident that prompted the warning occurred at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Worshippers were thrown into panic when tear gas was released inside the church during the service.
Among those present was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who later described a chaotic scene. He said congregants and leaders were forced to flee through nearby bushes to escape the gas and gunfire.
Gachagua claimed that vehicles were torched during the incident and accused the authorities of targeting worshippers. His account has intensified public debate about the role of security agencies and the safety of political figures attending church services.
Call to Security Agencies
President Ruto directed security agencies to take responsibility for safeguarding churches and other places of worship. He said law enforcement must ensure that worshippers can gather without intimidation or violence, regardless of political affiliations.
“All of us, irrespective of who we are and what we believe in, must respect the place of God in our churches,” the president said. He stressed that security responses should protect citizens rather than escalate tension in sensitive spaces.
The president’s comments underline the government’s position that churches should not be drawn into political disputes or used as stages for confrontation.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
Following the incident, Gachagua sharply criticised the police and accused the government of orchestrating the disruption. He demanded the arrest and prosecution of officers involved and warned of nationwide demonstrations if justice is not served.
The incident has heightened concerns about growing political tension spilling into religious institutions. Analysts warn that unless clear boundaries are enforced, churches could increasingly become flashpoints for political conflict.
As debate over church political violence continues, President Ruto’s warning signals an attempt to draw a firm line between politics and worship. His message places responsibility on leaders, security agencies, and citizens alike to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces.
