By Dorothy Musyoka
Former Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang’i, has strongly condemned the violent incident that occurred yesterday at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing it as a grave violation of constitutional rights and democratic norms.
The incident, which reportedly took place during a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other worshippers, involved the use of tear gas and live ammunition, triggering chaos and panic within the place of worship.
Dr. Matiang’i termed the events a desecration of a sacred space and a serious human rights violation.
“What happened yesterday is very shameful,” stated Matiang’i.
He emphasized that no Kenyan regardless of political affiliation or belief should be subjected to intimidation, violence, or fear while exercising the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and worship.
Such actions, he noted, are intolerable in any democratic society and signal a worrying decline in governance standards.
Dr. Matiang’i further warned that the misuse of state security agencies for partisan political purposes gravely undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust in institutions, and poses a direct threat to national cohesion and stability.
He cautioned that failure to decisively address such incidents risks normalizing violence and escalating political tensions.
Reaffirming his commitment to national unity and progress, Dr. Matiang’i called for cross-party collaboration anchored in respect for the Constitution, human rights and democratic values.
He stressed that accountability must prevail to restore confidence in public institutions and to ensure that places of worship remain sanctuaries of peace, free from violence and political intimidation.