Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah of intimidating church leaders and attempting to block him from attending a church service. Speaking during a church service at PCEA Kamangu in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, on Sunday, Gachagua claimed that the presbytery had been used to intimidate the Reverend and pressure church leaders against hosting him.
Gachagua alleged that Ichung'wah had been used to threaten the pastor and prevent him from attending the church. He expressed concern that the President was targeting him even in religious spaces after being removed from government. Gachagua questioned why he was being targeted, asking, "You chased me out of government, and now you want to chase me out of the church as well?"
Gachagua further accused Ruto of using Ichung'wah to pressure church leaders because of his continued political activities. He said he had expected the President to change his ways but accused him of continuing with what he described as his old ways. Gachagua's comments come after he was removed from government, and amid concerns over potential interference in church affairs.
The DCP Party leader also accused Ruto of previously sending goons to attack church services in Kiambaa, Mwiki, and Kariobangi. He raised concerns over what he described as interference in church affairs, saying, "We thought you had changed your old ways, but it seems you haven't changed."
Gachagua warned Ichung'wah against allowing himself to be used, saying the President will eventually abandon him just as he was abandoned after serving in government. He emphasized that he would not be intimidated and would continue to attend church services. The incident has sparked concerns over the relationship between the government and the church.
The allegations made by Gachagua have not been verified, and there has been no response from President Ruto or Ichung'wah. However, the issue has sparked a debate about the role of politics in church affairs and the limits of government interference. Gachagua's comments have been widely reported in the Kenyan media.
The incident occurred on October 30, 2026, at PCEA Kamangu in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County. Gachagua's speech was part of a church service, where he expressed his concerns about the alleged intimidation. The church has not commented on the allegations, but the issue is expected to continue to generate debate in the coming days.
Key points
- Gachagua accuses President Ruto and Ichung'wah of intimidating church leaders.
- The incident has sparked concerns over government interference in church affairs.
- Gachagua warns Ichung'wah against allowing himself to be used by the President.
