A Kenyan political figure, Rigathi Gachagua, has claimed an attack at a church service on Sunday was an attempt to take his life.

The former deputy president of Kenya, who faced criminal charges and was impeached from office in 2024, said the attack, which took place at a church in Nyeri County, had been orchestrated by a political rival and former ally, President William Ruto.

During an interview with the BBC, Gachagua claimed police officers had tear-gassed the church and “shot at” individuals. Worshippers reportedly fled the building after a canister of tear gas was thrown inside St Peter’s Anglican Church during the service, with Gachagua immediately escorted from the scene by security personnel.

According to Gachagua, his car had also been set alight, and two people who were outside the church were “mercilessly” beaten.

He addressed questions over why the incident had not been reported, stating: “You cannot report the police to the police.”

Further accusations were levelled against the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader, suggesting the attack had been “staged”. Refuting these claims, Gachagua replied: “Where can we get access to tear gas [or] AK-47 assault rifles?”

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident in a post on X, stating: “Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”

Both Gachagua and President Ruto were elected in 2022, before the former’s impeachment on charges relating to ethnic division and further violations of office.

Despite being found guilty of five such charges, the former deputy president claims he will be on the presidential ballot next year.

Referencing the violence, Murkomen said he had been informed by police that the attackers would be found and convicted, adding that this must be done “without regard to status in society or political affiliation.”

President Ruto has yet to respond to the accusations levelled against him.