By Afrireport 
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has weighed in on the violent incident that disrupted a church service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, calling for impartial and firm enforcement of the law regardless of political status.
Matiang’i expressed concern over the growing trend of political confrontations spilling into places of worship, warning that such actions threaten social cohesion and undermine respect for public institutions.
The former powerful minister said churches should remain sanctuaries of peace, prayer and unity, not battlegrounds for political rivalries.
The violence at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Witima Church erupted during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Witnesses reported chaos as teargas was fired, forcing congregants, including elderly worshippers and children, to flee for safety.
The incident has sparked national outrage and renewed debate over political intolerance and the conduct of security agencies.
Matiang’i, who previously served as Interior CS during a period marked by tough security measures, said the law must be applied fairly and consistently.
He warned that selective enforcement breeds resentment and fuels instability.
No individual, no matter how influential or politically connected, should be above the law. Equally, the law should never be used to intimidate or settle political scores,” he said.
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The former CS urged investigators to establish who authorised the use of force at the church and whether proper procedures were followed.
He added that accountability must extend to both the perpetrators of violence and any officials who may have abused their authority.
According to Matiang’i, failure to act decisively would set a dangerous precedent ahead of heightened political activity in the country.
Political leaders across the divide have condemned the incident, with some accusing security agencies of excessive force, while others blamed political mobilization for escalating tensions.
Civil society groups and religious leaders have also demanded an independent investigation, insisting that places of worship must be protected from political interference.
Gachagua has described the incident as a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and his supporters, alleging political persecution.
The government, on its part, has promised investigations, with senior security officials stating that any officer found culpable will face disciplinary action.
Matiang’i concluded by calling on leaders to exercise restraint and prioritize national unity.
He warned that unchecked political violence could erode public trust and destabilize the country, urging all actors to respect the rule of law as Kenya navigates an increasingly charged political environment.
