Opposition Takes Police and MPs to Court Over Church Attack
The United Opposition has announced that it will pursue private legal action against 12 police officers and two Members of Parliament allegedly involved in the infamous Witima ACK Church attack.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 19, signed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP’s Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i, the opposition said it will no longer engage with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja due to his reluctance to take action against implicated officers.
“Legal action shall be taken against 12 police officers who allegedly participated in the Witima ACK Church attack, which was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and two unnamed Members of Parliament who allegedly financed and facilitated the operation,” the statement read in part.
The opposition alleges that the police service has effectively become a private “militia” protecting those in power, with no signs of change. Kalonzo Musyoka emphasized, “We therefore find it not only unnecessary but a disservice to Kenyans to continue engaging an Inspector General whose hands have been tied by his political masters and who presides over a force that has been turned into a private militia for the protection of those in power.”
“Let it be clear: we will not legitimise inertia, obstruction, or political interference by continuing to make ceremonial visits to an office that has chosen silence over accountability,” he added.
The opposition further claimed that the case file containing details of the 14 individuals was intended for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) but was allegedly intercepted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to prevent prosecution. They argue that this interference not only contravenes the Constitution but also erodes public trust in Kenya’s justice system.
IG Kanja has also been advised by the opposition to refrain from interfering with upcoming lawful gatherings in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira, and Nakuru, which are scheduled to take place this month. “These are lawful assemblies protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every person the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities,” the statement emphasized.
Tensions escalated when opposition figures stormed IG Kanja’s office on Monday, February 16, protesting recent attacks at events attended by the former Deputy President. Gachagua has repeatedly blamed the police chief for failing to fast-track investigations despite the available evidence linking some officers to the attacks.
“We want to know who attacked the church and why they have not been prosecuted. So tomorrow, we will go to the office to know why those who harmed women and children have not been arraigned,” Gachagua said on Sunday, February 15.
As legal action looms, the Witima ACK Church case has intensified the spotlight on Kenya’s justice system, raising questions about accountability, political interference, and the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens versus the powerful.
Also Read: “It’s Not the Police!” Murkomen Reveals Who’s Really Using Teargas at Rallies
Opposition Takes Police and MPs to Court Over Church Attack
