United Opposition leaders announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against Deputy President Kithure Kindiki following a tense confrontation at Kaaga Methodist church in Meru County that barred them from participating in a worship service on Sunday, March 8.
Addressing another gathering at EATC Njotene, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo alleged that the government was employing intimidation methods to silence opposition members while recounting their perspective on Sunday’s morning events.
“This morning, the United opposition was prevented from observing the installation of a respected Bishop,” Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo explained that authorities physically prevented their access to the church premises, characterizing the action as an infringement on basic liberties.
He continued, “This constitutes a calculated act of political oppression executed within a sacred place of worship.”
Kalonzo directly implicated Kindiki, accusing him of orchestrating police efforts to prevent opposition leaders from entering the same church where the Deputy President had visited and spoken with local residents.
Although emphasizing that the opposition had no conflicts with church authorities or congregants, Kalonzo maintained that the issue was solely political, noting that dispatching law enforcement to prevent political figures and citizens from attending religious services indicated a government motivated by fear.
“The deputy president utilized police forces to restrict citizens from freely practicing their faith. That is not proper governance. These are characteristics of a regime consumed by fear,” he stated.
“We will be exploring all possible legal and constitutional channels in response to the events that occurred in Meru today.”
Present at the Njotene church service was another figure who asserted that the government made a final effort to prevent opposition attendance after their successful visits throughout the Meru region during the preceding weekend.
“We had received an invitation from the bishop to attend his installation ceremony at Kaaga Methodist, but upon arriving in Meru, an associate of President William Ruto identified as Kindiki attempted to prevent our participation,” Gachagua claimed.
Gachagua additionally asserted that police personnel, including substantial numbers of General Service Unit (GSU) officers, had been positioned at the church to limit access.
Notwithstanding the confrontation, opposition leaders affirmed their commitment to ongoing public engagement and resistance against what they characterized as state-sponsored political intimidation.