Othaya: The Mount Kenya West Diocese of the Anglican Church of Kenya has condemned the violent disruption of a church service at ACK St. Peters Witima in Nyeri County, where police and alleged goons reportedly opened fire and used teargas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the diocese’s presiding Bishop Gerald Muriithi described the incident as heinous, stating that it left worshippers, including children and elderly, traumatized. He accused police officers and goons of working together, noting that vehicles were vandalized, and live bullets were fired within the church compound.
Bishop Muriithi raised concerns over the involvement of two police vehicles seen accompanying a group of goons, questioning the integrity of the National Police Service. He dismissed claims that the incident was orchestrated by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, emphasizing that church leaders and residents helped Gachagua escape the chaos.
The bishop called for a prompt investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to prosecute those responsible. He demanded an apology from the security forces and political figures involved, urging that churches remain free from political conflicts.
Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has denied any involvement, countering claims made by the former Deputy President linking him to the attack. Wamumbi suggested the incident was a political ploy to tarnish the government’s image, and announced his intention to cooperate with the DCI to clear his name.
Wamumbi called on the political class to refrain from using religious sites for political disputes and encouraged the clergy to protect their worship spaces from political misuse.
