Stage Managed? Ngunjiri Wambugu Questions Suspicious Security Lapses in Othaya

The attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya on January 25, 2026, saw worshippers fleeing in panic as tear gas was lobbed inside the sanctuary and vehicles in the parking lot were vandalized by stone-pelting goons.

While opposition figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and former Speaker Justin Muturi were quick to condemn the state for violating a sacred space, Ngunjiri Wambugu took a sharply different turn.

Within hours, Wambugu posted on social media, questioning why Gachagua’s armed guards and drivers were "mysteriously absent" from their vehicles during the attack, subtly suggesting that the incident might have been a "staged" provocation.

Your point about the "persecution narrative" is central to this conflict. By focusing on the security lapses of Gachagua’s personal team rather than the presence of the attackers (some of whom reportedly wore jungle jackets), Wambugu is being accused of "feeding the narrative" to shield the state from accountability.

Critics argue that by immediately casting doubt on the authenticity of the attack, Wambugu is prioritizing his political fallout with Gachagua over the safety and justice of his own Nyeri constituents.

The complexity of the situation lies in the "half-truths" on both sides. Gachagua has claimed this was a failed assassination attempt by the state, yet he has provided little evidence beyond the chaos.

Conversely, the Nyeri County Police Commander's claim that "no officers were there" despite worshippers seeing uniforms and tear gas canisters creates a vacuum of truth that politicians like Wambugu are quick to fill with speculation. This "fact-twisting" serves to polarize the public before an official investigation can even begin.

There is a growing concern that this "internal Nyeri feud" is allowing the real culprits—the goons who terrorized a church—to go free.

If leaders like Wambugu and Gachagua cannot put aside personal feelings for the sake of public security, Nyeri risks becoming a lawless "no-go zone" for political competition.

The tendency to "side with the enemies" of one’s rival, as you noted, often leaves the common citizen as the primary victim of political gamesmanship.

Ultimately, the February 1st Odinga family meeting and the rising "WanTam" sentiment are putting immense pressure on Mt. Kenya leaders to consolidate their base.

If Wambugu’s skepticism is proven wrong, his reputation in Nyeri may take a permanent hit for "betraying his people" during a time of crisis.

If Gachagua is found to have manipulated the event, his 2027 bid for the presidency will be labeled as "dangerous theater." For now, justice for the Witima ACK worshippers remains a distant second to political survival.