Dan Maanzo has described the January 25, 2026 disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, as an attempted assassination targeting opposition leaders.
Speaking on February 16, 2026, the Makueni Senator criticised the National Police Service, accusing it of deliberate targeting and poor coordination during the incident at ACK Witima Church.
“There were also possible shootings and I think this is an attempted assassination of opposition leaders,” Maanzo said, referring to the reported use of teargas and alleged live ammunition during the church service.
Maanzo also faulted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for failing to meet a united opposition delegation earlier that day at Vigilance House.
According to him, Kanja’s office was heavily guarded by armed officers carrying teargas canisters and rungus even before the delegation arrived, an action he termed as evidence of poor coordination within police ranks.
The opposition delegation had sought a meeting to demand accountability over the church incident and the arrest of officers allegedly involved. However, neither IG Kanja nor his deputies—DIG Eliud Lagat and DIG Gilbert Masengeli—were present.
DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa accused the police of deliberately avoiding engagement with opposition leaders.
The delegation, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has given the Inspector General until February 20, 2026, to convene the requested meeting.
During the January 25 church service, police reportedly fired teargas inside the sanctuary and allegedly discharged live rounds, actions opposition leaders claim violated a court order barring the use of force in places of worship.
Opposition figures have repeatedly accused President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of directing police to interfere with their political activities—allegations the government has previously denied.
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