Church Leaders Slam Opposition, Warn Against Nationwide Protests Over Witima Attack

Religious leaders from across Kenya have issued a rare and forceful warning to opposition politicians, urging them to drop plans for nationwide protests linked to the Witima church disruption and cautioning that public demonstrations risk inflaming religious tensions and undermining national peace.

The unprecedented intervention comes as political divisions deepen following the controversial incident at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, on January 25, 2026, which has since sparked widespread political debate and calls for action.

In a communique released on 8 February 2026, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and key denominational leaders described proposals for mass protests as “reckless and potentially divisive,” asserting that attempts to capitalize on the Witima incident for political mobilization could jeopardize the sanctity of places of worship and weaken the social fabric. The church leaders argued that the nation must prioritize calm and due process over polarizing street action.

The Witima disruption, which involved the deployment of a teargas canister inside the church during a service attended by prominent political figures and worshippers, triggered a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations between government officials and opposition leaders. Some opposition figures have publicly threatened mass mobilization if authorities do not swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

In their statement, church authorities underscored that peaceful worship and religious sanctity must be protected, and they urged all political actors to abandon plans for nationwide demonstrations that could escalate into violence or be misused as platforms for partisan agendas. The communique emphasized that the rule of law, transparent investigations, and collaborative engagement with security agencies offer the only credible path forward.

The religious bloc’s warning is notable for its direct critique of opposition strategies, reflecting deep unease among faith communities over political exploitation of religious incidents. The leaders also appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite investigations and provide regular updates to the public to build trust in the process.