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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday described a dramatic escape from Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, saying his bodyguard was disguised in a priest’s robe to escort him out safely amid an attack he blames on rogue police officers.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Wamunyoro home, Mr Gachagua thanked the church for protecting his supporters during the service.

“I want to thank the church for helping my supporters. They gave some of my members uniform, choir uniform, to look like choir members,” he said.

“One of the reverend gave my bodyguard his robe. He escorted me in a reverend’s robe out of the church.”

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader said the officers arrived in civilian clothes on a matatu from Namu Sacco, masquerading as goons.

“They came on a matatu, KDR467X, from Namu shuttle. Those thugs in some police uniforms and civilian were in a GKB475X. That is a police vehicle. They also had ammunition of 7.6mm and AK‑47s.”

He immediately linked the presence of rogue officers to the destruction of his vehicle.

“The police officers who came were 15, 15 rogue police officers came, and in the process, my Land Cruiser, Toyota Land Cruiser KDK002, was torched.”

The former DP placed the Othaya incident within a series of attacks against him and his allies since leaving office.

“After successfully hounding me out of office, in November 2024, thugs from Mungiki and a police escort attacked me in Limuru,” he said.

“In December 2024, at Shamata in Nyandarua, an inspector of police held a tear gas canister to me. I reported the incident, but nothing has happened.”
“In April 2025, there were orders that police should not be present in Mwiti Church. Thereafter, I was attacked.”

Responding to criticism on social media and online reports, Mr Gachagua condemned false narratives.

“I’ve seen a lot of nonsense by government bloggers online,” he said.

Mr Gachagua rejected calls for police-led investigations, responding directly to CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

“I’ve heard more comments saying he’s going to investigate. The police cannot investigate themselves.”

He also issued a warning to political leadership about the consequences of targeting him or his supporters.

“I want to invite the members of the National Security Council to sit down with President Ruto and tell him that regarding Gachagua, if Gachagua is injured or killed, there will be turmoil in this country.”

He concluded with a defiant message:
“No retreats, no surrender.”

CS Murkomen had earlier condemned any violence in places of worship and said investigations were ongoing.

The saga is far from over, with Mr Gachagua announcing a press conference at 5 pm to address the nation further.