Police blocked us from Methodist Church, opposition leaders claim
Central
By
Phares Mutembei
| Mar 10, 2026
[Collins Oduor, Standard]
Police officers in Meru blocked Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders from a Sunday church service attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Police were seen asking drivers of communication vehicles belonging to the opposition brigade out of Kaaga Methodist Church in North Imenti.
According to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi, the police stopped them from accessing the service, which was also graced by Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia, a reverend in the Methodist Church and a political ally of the deputy president.
The opposition leaders, who also included former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, had to go for a service at a different church after their entry to Kaaga was blocked.
The opposition bosses were on their final day of the Mount Kenya East tour and later addressed rallies in Buuri after praying at a different church.
READ MORE
Activist files petition to block fuel price hike, seeks conservatory orders
Government launches construction of 114 solar mini grids in 14 counties
Kenya's cybersecurity skills gap persists despite training efforts
Ruto's budget limbo deepens as IMF digs in on bailout conditions
German 'chemical town' fears impact of industrial decline
AI boom raises pressure for clean energy transition
How to pick the right insurance cover for your car
Push for cryptocurrency regulation gathers pace
How high-stakes home ownership dreams are shattered by city cartels
"Our plan had been to fellowship with believers at the Kaaga Methodist Church. However, the sudden arrival of the deputy president Kithure Kindiki, accompanied by a large contingent of police officers, turned what should have been a sacred space of prayer into a scene of intimidation," Mr. Muturi lamented.
He added that such acts were malicious.
Mr. Musyoka regretted the action of denying them a chance to worship with others.
"But no door closed against justice stays closed forever, and we worshiped freely and openly at the East Africa Pentecostal Njotene Parish," he said.
But Methodist Church in Kenya's Rev. Ben Linguli defended the church against the leaders' claims that they were denied a chance to be at Kaaga.
"Let them tell you who blocked them and when. As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of such. Again, we had not invited them, and we weren't aware of their coming," Rev. Linguli said.