Othaya Church Chaos: Gachagua, Tribal Politics, and Accusations

Othaya Church Chaos: Gachagua, Tribal Politics, and Accusations

A Sunday church service in Othaya recently descended into chaos, drawing national attention. The incident, involving teargas during a gathering attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ignited a fierce political debate across Kenya.

The Othaya Incident

On January 25, 2026, congregants at Witima ACK Church in Othaya faced pandemonium. Teargas was reportedly deployed, causing a stampede and injuries. Rigathi Gachagua was present. While claims of a child's death circulated, official verification remains pending.

'Desperate Tribal' Politics and Staging Allegations

The aftermath saw Gachagua face significant backlash. Critics accused him of employing 'desperate tribal sympathy politics'. Many suggested the Othaya event might have been orchestrated. An MCA reportedly arrived with Colgate, a teargas neutralizer, hinting at premeditation. The use of the church as a political battleground was widely condemned.

Accusations and Official Denials

The political blame game intensified. Opposition figures alleged state orchestration by the administration. Government officials, including Interior CS Murkomen, condemned the chaos as criminal but denied state involvement, suggesting the incident was staged. Jeremiah Kioni pointed fingers at high-ranking officials. The public seeks clarity amidst these conflicting narratives.

Implications and Moving Forward

The Othaya incident underscores a worrying trend where political theatrics overshadow policy discussions. It highlights how quickly an event becomes framed within a 'tribal' context, polarizing public opinion. Kenyans are weary, urging leaders to prioritize unity over divisive political maneuvers.