Gachagua accuses government of allowing disruption of Nyeri prayer event by Maina Njenga

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of allowing the disruption of a prayer event led by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, in Nyeri on Saturday.

In a post on his X account, Gachagua condemned the incident, saying the government had “unleashed the leader of an outlawed criminal gang and his goons” to disturb a peaceful religious gathering.

“Unleashing the leader of an outlawed criminal gang and his goons to disrupt peaceful prayers and desecrate the altar is the lowest any government can go no matter the level of desperation,” Gachagua said.

The disruption occurred at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri town on Saturday where an interdenominational prayer meeting was being held.

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• Gachagua accuses government of allowing disruption of Nyeri prayer event by Maina Njenga
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The event, which Gachagua was expected to attend, was abruptly interrupted by former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga and a convoy of his supporters.

The presence of Njenga and his followers caused confusion and panic, prompting the evacuation of Pastor Rigathi who was hastily escorted from the venue by her aides, amid growing tension.

According to reports, Njenga arrived near the end of the event, his convoy chanting “Ndovu,” referring to his ‘elephant’ slogan.

The sudden arrival caused a commotion, with Rev. Maina ‘Wa OTC’ halting his prayer and congregants fleeing in fear.

Despite the chaos, Njenga was allowed onto the main dais, where he joined the clergy who appeared visibly shaken.

Gachagua, listed as a key speaker at the event, did not attend and Pastor Rigathi did not address her husband’s absence when she delivered her greetings.

Sources indicate that Gachagua remained in a Nyeri hotel after learning that Njenga was in town.

Njenga, however, denied any political motivation for his appearance.

“I didn’t come here because of politics. In any case, I am a bishop. I heard there was a prayer meeting, and I decided to join you,” he told the congregation.

Repenting for past sins

He led his supporters in kneeling before the clergy, explaining that he was there to “repent for past sins and vowing to turn over a new leaf”.

Njenga avoided discussing his past involvement with the outlawed Mungiki group, instead criticising the “outdated” labels attached to him.

“From now on, I will not insult anyone. I will join other churches in praying for this nation. These prayers should not be confined to Mt Kenya alone but extended to other parts of the country,” he said.

The incident has brought to the fore the continuing rivalry between Njenga and Gachagua.

In December 2024, Njenga publicly pledged his support for President William Ruto, urging residents of Mt Kenya to back the government. He also voiced support for MPs facing opposition due to their alignment with Ruto’s administration.

In response, Gachagua accused President Ruto of using Njenga and the remnants of the Mungiki group to intimidate Mt Kenya residents.

Earlier this month, Gachagua suggested that Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Mungiki’s activities.

“We want to let you know that you cannot force people to like you. Enlisting this group will not help,” Gachagua said.

Before the disruption of the prayer meeting, several leaders including Nyeri Deputy Governor Waroe Kinaniri had criticised the government over several issues including abductions of young Kenyans.

What was meant to be a prayer gathering for the nation turned into a platform for political and ideological clashes, highlighting the deepening divisions within Mt Kenya’s leadership.