Gloria Orwoba shares her experience after being teargassed alongside Gachagua
By Valerian Khakayi, January 25, 2026Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has recounted a terrifying ordeal after she was tear-gassed while attending a church service alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri County.
In a statement shared on her official social media accounts, Orwoba said the incident happened at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where she had accompanied Gachagua for a Sunday service.
She added that what was meant to be a peaceful worship session quickly turned chaotic after security forces moved in.
According to Orwoba, gunshots were fired and tear gas lobbed into the church compound, forcing congregants to flee in panic.
“I accompanied H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH to Witima ACK church, Othaya in Nyeri County,” she narrated.
“While we were in church we were violently attacked with live bullets and tear gas and our vehicles vandalised and torched.”
In addition, Orwoba described the incident as shocking and unacceptable, especially given that it occurred in a place of worship. She questioned the conduct of the authorities and accused the current regime of losing direction.
“This regime has lost all senses ALL,”she added.
Videos and images circulating online showed clouds of tear gas around the church compound and damaged vehicles, with worshippers scrambling for safety.
Church attack
Gachagua and his team were attacked during a church service in Witima ACK in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by unknown people. by unknown people.
The churchgoers were settled until teargas smoke suddenly sneaked into what was supposed to be a solemn ceremony, where the former deputy head of state was to address the congregants after the service.
Members began choking from the tear gas, forcing them to cover their mouths and eyes to reduce its impact. Some members were overwhelmed by the tear gas, with some fainting and first aid being administered to resuscitate them.
There was sudden jostling in the church as members sought shelter, with some requesting water to wash the affected eyes, while others were taken outside the building where the melee seemed to have emanated from.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua said.
Outside the church, there were clouds of smoke with unknown people covering their faces, wearing military fatigues