By MKT Correspondents
Opposition leaders yesterday condemned what they describe as political intimidation after they were blocked from attending a church service by a heavy police presence in Meru County.
The incident occurred at Kaaga Methodist Church, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended a service, while Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka were denied entry by police officers. There was tense exchanges between Gachagua’s allies and security personnel.
Some opposition supporters also claimed a personal aide of Gachagua was briefly detained.
Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), criticised the police deployment as unnecessary and politically motivated.
He called on authorities to focus resources on urgent security issues such as banditry along the Meru–Isiolo border. Kalonzo described the actions as unconstitutional, urging faith groups and legal bodies to condemn the move.
Both leaders attended a separate service at East Africa Pentecostal Church in Njotene Parish, Buuri Constituency, and vowed to pursue legal remedies.
Deputy President Kindiki dismissed the opposition’s accusations, describing their behaviour as politically disruptive.
He urged visiting politicians to maintain discipline and criticised Gachagua’s record, calling for constructive engagement rather than rhetoric.
The episode has intensified political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition leaders warning that blocking access to a religious venue signals growing political intolerance.
Both sides are now considering legal and public mobilisation strategies, raising the stakes in Kenya’s democratic and constitutional debates.
Other leaders present included former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi.
They were accompanied by dozens of former, current and aspiring political leaders allied to the United Alternative Government caucus