The United Opposition has threatened to call nationwide demonstrations within two weeks if authorities fail to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the recent alleged attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The warning was issued on Friday after opposition leaders held a closed-door meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, during which they accused the government of overseeing what they described as coordinated and targeted attacks against opposition leaders and their supporters.
After hours of engagement with the police chief, the leaders emerged stating that they would resort to street protests if no decisive action is taken.
“We have told the IG that before we come back on the 16th, those members of that unit must be arrested, disarmed and prosecuted. After the 16th, we will have no option but to call for nationwide demonstrations,” said DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that continued attacks on opposition figures could destabilise the country.
“If you touch any national leader and assassinate one of our leaders before the next election, this country will never be the same again,” Musyoka said.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua accused the National Police Service (NPS) of engaging in political intimidation, calling on the service to return to its constitutional mandate.
“We want the NPS to stop goonism and dirty political work and go back to professional policing,” Karua said.
Letter to National Security Advisory Council
The opposition leaders said they had written a detailed letter to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto, outlining 23 alleged incidents in which Gachagua, his family, supporters and members of the public were reportedly attacked between November 2024 and January 2026.
In the letter, the opposition expressed what it termed as grave concern over what it described as persistent and escalating violence, claiming some incidents occurred in the presence of police officers or with alleged police facilitation.
Among the incidents cited is the January 25, 2026 attack at ACK Witima Church, where the opposition alleges tear gas and live bullets were used, vehicles vandalised and congregants injured. The group claims intelligence points to involvement of a special police unit referred to as “Sierra”—an allegation not independently verified.
The opposition named at least 15 individuals it accuses of planning and executing the Witima church attack, listing both civilians and serving security officers. No official response has been issued regarding the named individuals.
The letter further references alleged attacks in Limuru, Shamata, Nyeri, Meru, Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Murang’a, Narok, Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties, some involving claims of excessive force.
The opposition said Gachagua has reasonable cause to fear for his life, describing the Witima incident as bearing the hallmarks of a coordinated assassination attempt.
Demands and Protest Threats
Among the demands made to the security council are:
- Independent and impartial investigations into all cited incidents
- Suspension and prosecution of all officers and civilians implicated
- Immediate measures to guarantee the safety of Gachagua and the public
- Restoration of public confidence in the national security system through adherence to the Constitution and rule of law
Following the meeting, the leaders addressed supporters at Wakulima Market in Nairobi, urging Kenyans to be ready for protests should their demands not be met.
“Protests will spread across the country if action is not taken,” Gachagua said.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala echoed the warning, saying continued attacks would be met with sustained resistance.
The opposition also announced a series of “meet the people” tours, beginning with a church service in Nyeri County on Sunday, as pressure mounts on the government and security agencies over the handling of the alleged attacks.
