Who Is Really in Control? Senator Oketch Raises Alarm Over Attack Involving Children and Worshippers

Senator Eddy Oketch has issued a stinging condemnation following the violent disruption of an event linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, raising serious concerns about the state of security and accountability in the country.

Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, the Migori senator questioned whether Kenya’s security apparatus remains under lawful command or has descended into dangerous disorder.

Oketch warned that the attack points to troubling possibilities that police officers may be acting beyond control, can be compromised by powerful interests, or that an armed militia is operating unchecked.

This attack simply translates to either our police are ungovernable, can be bought by anyone, or that we have a militia group, which is worrying,” Oketch said. “Whether Rigathi Gachagua’s attack was scripted or came from the government side, people need to be held accountable.”

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The violence, which reportedly unfolded in the presence of worshippers, including children, has sparked national outrage and renewed debate over political intolerance and the misuse of force.

According to eyewitness accounts, chaos erupted during a church related gathering, forcing congregants to flee as tension escalated a development leaders across the political divide have described as unacceptable.

Oketch termed the incident a new low for the country, stressing that places of worship must remain neutral and safe spaces regardless of political affiliation.

“This is the lowest we can go, where children and people in a church are being attacked,” he said, adding that the sanctity of religious spaces should never be violated for political ends.

The senator further called on investigative agencies to move swiftly and independently to establish who planned, financed, and executed the attack.

He cautioned against selective justice, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable would embolden future violence and erode public trust in state institutions.

The fallout from the attack has also intensified scrutiny of the National Police Service, with critics demanding clarity on whether officers were involved, failed to act, or were overwhelmed by rogue elements.

Civil society groups have echoed Oketch’s concerns, urging President William Ruto’s administration to demonstrate zero tolerance for political violence.

They argue that unresolved attacks targeting political figures risk normalising chaos and weakening democratic space ahead of future electoral cycles.

As calls for accountability grow louder, pressure is mounting on the Interior Ministry and security agencies to provide a comprehensive account of what transpired and the measures being taken to prevent a repeat.

For many Kenyans, the incident has become a litmus test of whether the rule of law still prevails or whether political power now dictates who is protected and who is exposed.