Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has broken his silence on the violence that rocked Othaya, terming the teargassing of worshippers a "criminal act" that defiles the sanctity of the church. In a stern directive issued Sunday evening, Kindiki called for the immediate arrest of the planners and executors of the chaos.

The Deputy President’s statement comes as a direct response to the mayhem at Witima ACK Church, where his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, was forced to flee. Kindiki, attempting to distance the Presidency from the incident, framed the violence as an attack on the Constitution itself, specifically the freedom of worship.

"Violence Has No Political Color"

Addressing a congregation in Kericho earlier in the day, Kindiki appeared to be fighting a war on two fronts: defending the government's development record while managing the fallout from the Nyeri skirmishes.

"Let me be clear," Kindiki stated, his tone grave. "Violence, whether organized by political opponents for sympathy or by overzealous officers, is unacceptable. You cannot claim to fight for the people while teargassing their mothers in prayer. The Inspector General must act, and act now."

The DP’s choice of words—"political opponents for sympathy"—suggests a counter-narrative brewing within government circles: that the chaos might have been stage-managed. However, he maintained that the law must apply equally to all.

• The Directive: Immediate probe into the "planners, executors, and enablers" of the violence.
• The Context: Kindiki is under immense pressure to prove he can protect the Mount Kenya region, a voting bloc he inherited from Gachagua.
• The Defense: He pivoted quickly to defend the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Affordable Housing, warning that "political noise" should not derail youth employment.

The Blame Game

While Kindiki calls for investigations, the ground in Nyeri is hostile. The narrative that the "Deep State" is persecuting Gachagua is gaining traction. By condemning the violence, Kindiki is attempting to walk a tightrope—showing empathy to the victims while avoiding direct confrontation with the security apparatus controlled by his Cabinet colleagues.

A Test of Authority

This incident is the first major internal security crisis Kindiki has faced since ascending to the second-highest office. His ability to ensure "stern action" is taken—especially if police officers are found culpable—will be the litmus test of his actual power.

"If no one is charged by Monday," warns political analyst Herman Manyora, "Kindiki’s words will be seen as mere poetry. The mountain is watching." For the worshippers of Witima ACK, the trauma of gas choking their hymns will not be erased by press statements alone.