Maanzo Terms Church Incident an Assassination Attempt as Opposition Demands Police Accountability
By Malticks - April 26, 2026
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, February 16, 2026, the senator claimed that the events at ACK Witima Church in Othaya on January 25 were not accidental but deliberate.
According to him, the use of teargas inside a place of worship and reports of live gunfire raised serious concerns about the safety of political leaders who had attended the service.
Maanzo said the actions of security officers appeared excessive and unnecessary, noting that the gathering was peaceful.
Maanzo said the actions of security officers appeared excessive and unnecessary, noting that the gathering was peaceful.
He argued that such force could have led to injuries or loss of life, warning that the situation should be treated as a possible assassination attempt rather than a routine security operation.
The senator also questioned the leadership of the National Police Service, accusing it of poor planning and lack of coordination.
The senator also questioned the leadership of the National Police Service, accusing it of poor planning and lack of coordination.
He pointed out that when a delegation of opposition leaders went to seek answers from Inspector General Douglas Kanja at Vigilance House, they were met with tight security but did not find the police chief or his deputies present.
According to Maanzo, the absence of senior police leadership raised doubts about the willingness of the service to address the matter.
According to Maanzo, the absence of senior police leadership raised doubts about the willingness of the service to address the matter.
He added that visible preparations, including heavily armed officers at the premises, suggested the authorities expected the visit but chose not to engage.
Other opposition leaders who accompanied the delegation echoed similar concerns. DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa told journalists that the police leadership appeared to be avoiding accountability.
Other opposition leaders who accompanied the delegation echoed similar concerns. DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa told journalists that the police leadership appeared to be avoiding accountability.
He said the opposition would not drop the matter and announced plans to return to Vigilance House later in the week.
The opposition has now issued an ultimatum to the Inspector General, demanding a formal meeting and action against officers involved in the church incident.
The opposition has now issued an ultimatum to the Inspector General, demanding a formal meeting and action against officers involved in the church incident.
Leaders warned that if their concerns are ignored, they will continue making weekly visits until they receive satisfactory responses.
The January 25 incident has remained a major political flashpoint. During the church service attended by several opposition figures, police officers reportedly fired teargas inside the sanctuary, causing panic among worshippers.
The January 25 incident has remained a major political flashpoint. During the church service attended by several opposition figures, police officers reportedly fired teargas inside the sanctuary, causing panic among worshippers.
There were also claims that live bullets were discharged, though the full details of the operation remain unclear.
Opposition leaders argue that the police action violated a court order that restricts the use of force in places of worship.
Opposition leaders argue that the police action violated a court order that restricts the use of force in places of worship.
They have been calling for investigations and the arrest of officers responsible, insisting that religious spaces should remain safe and free from political confrontation.
The standoff has also taken a political tone, with some leaders accusing the government of using security agencies to interfere with their activities.
The standoff has also taken a political tone, with some leaders accusing the government of using security agencies to interfere with their activities.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have both warned against what they described as intimidation and attempts to silence dissent.
Government officials have not publicly responded in detail to the latest accusations, but pressure is building for a clear explanation of what happened in Nyeri and who authorised the operation.
Government officials have not publicly responded in detail to the latest accusations, but pressure is building for a clear explanation of what happened in Nyeri and who authorised the operation.
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