The political war for the soul of Mount Kenya has turned violent. Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are now openly claiming that the chaos at the Witima ACK Church in Othaya was not just a disruption, but a botched "assassination attempt" orchestrated by elements within the police service. The Sunday service descended into pandemonium when teargas canisters were lobbed into the congregation, forcing worshippers—including the elderly—to flee for their lives.

The imagery is shocking: a holy sanctuary turned into a gas chamber. Gachagua’s convoy was subsequently pelted with stones, and one vehicle was reportedly set ablaze. Senator Cleophas Malala, a staunch Gachagua ally, wasted no time in pointing fingers. "This was a state operation," Malala alleged. "They sent a hit squad to finish what they couldn't finish with impeachment. We demand a complete overhaul of the police command in Nyeri."

The "Deep State" Shadow

The accusations are grave. Gachagua himself posted a chilling message: "They fired live bullets. They want me dead." The narrative being crafted by his camp is one of a government terrified of his rising popularity in the region. They argue that the police, who should have protected the leader, were instead colluding with the attackers. The lack of arrests has only fueled the conspiracy theories.

Local leaders are demanding a devolution of security accountability, arguing that the National Police Service has become a political weapon for the executive. "If they can teargas a church to get to Gachagua, no one is safe," remarked a local MP who wished to remain anonymous.

• The Church Desecrated: Religious leaders across the spectrum have condemned the act. "Violence has no place at the altar," stated the ACK Bishop, calling for divine and legal justice.
• Political Fallout: The incident is likely to galvanize Gachagua’s support base, feeding the "victim" narrative that has resonated with the Mountain electorate since his ouster.

A Region on the Brink

The violence in Othaya is a microcosm of the deeper rift in the ruling coalition. With Gachagua refusing to go quietly into the political night, and the state seemingly determined to crush his influence, Mount Kenya is becoming a battleground. The demand for "drastic changes" in the police service is a direct challenge to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki’s authority.

As investigations (or cover-ups) begin, one thing is clear: The gloves are off. Politics in Kenya has always been a contact sport, but when teargas replaces incense in church, the game has turned deadly.