Tension was witnessed in Meru County on Sunday after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies were reportedly blocked from attending a church service where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was the chief guest
The incident occurred at Kaaga Methodist Church in Meru, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered for a special church event and the induction of a bishop. The event had drawn several political leaders, including Deputy President Kindiki, who attended as the chief guest.
However, tension began when members of Gachagua’s advance team reportedly arrived at the church but were denied entry by security officers stationed at the venue. Police had heavily deployed around the church grounds, apparently anticipating a possible confrontation between rival political camps.
According to reports, Gachagua and several opposition leaders had also been invited to the service and were expected to share the same platform with Kindiki. The situation quickly turned tense when their team was blocked from accessing the church compound.
Opposition Leaders Protest the Move
Some of Gachagua’s allies openly questioned why they had been stopped from attending a church service despite being invited.
One of the leaders accompanying the former deputy president complained that large numbers of police officers had been deployed around the church and even near the hotel where the opposition leaders had spent the night in Meru. They demanded to know why they were being prevented from entering the church.
The confrontation between security officers and members of Gachagua’s team briefly heightened political tensions in the area, with videos of the incident quickly circulating on social media.
Gachagua Attends Alternative Church
Following the standoff, Gachagua and his supporters opted to attend another church service at a different venue within Meru County. The move allowed them to continue with their planned Sunday fellowship without further confrontation.
The incident highlights the ongoing political rivalry between leaders aligned with the government and those in the opposition camp. Observers say the situation also reflects the growing political tensions in the Mount Kenya region ahead of future political contests.
Political Tensions Continue
The confrontation in Meru comes at a time when political alliances in Kenya are rapidly shifting following the fallout between Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration. Since leaving office, the former deputy president has been working closely with other opposition leaders and touring various parts of the country.
Political analysts believe the Meru incident could further intensify political debate in the region, which remains a key battleground in Kenya’s evolving political landscape
