The United Opposition has announced plans to initiate private prosecutions against twelve police officers and two Members of Parliament implicated in the violent attack at Witima ACK Church and the alleged attempted assassination of Second Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement issued Thursday, coalition leaders—including Kalonzo Musyoka, Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i—explained that the move was necessary due to what they describe as the failure of state institutions to act. Investigations by the National Police Service reportedly identified the perpetrators and their financiers, but the investigative file, prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was allegedly intercepted by Kipchumba Murkomen.
The coalition claims Murkomen issued directives to halt prosecution, which they described as “a criminal abuse of power” and “obstruction of justice.” Their statement further emphasized that the DPP’s office operates independently under Article 157(10) of the Constitution and should not be subject to external interference.
According to the United Opposition, the Ministry of Interior is being “weaponized to shield criminals in uniform and their political patrons,” undermining the police motto, “Utumishi kwa Wote” – Service to All.
The decision to pursue private prosecution is grounded in constitutional provisions. Article 157(6)(b) of the 2010 Constitution allows private individuals or entities to institute criminal proceedings when the state fails to act. This is reinforced by Section 28 of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, and Section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which outline procedures for obtaining magisterial leave. The coalition says the threshold for private action has been met due to “culpable, politically-driven inertia” from public authorities.
The announcement follows unsuccessful engagements with Inspector General Douglas Kanja. An initial meeting on January 30, 2026, at Jogoo House raised hopes for independent investigations, but a follow-up on February 16 was postponed. Subsequent information suggested an alleged cover-up.
The United Opposition has vowed to pursue justice for the victims of the Witima ACK Church attack, “with or without the cooperation of a compromised Inspector General.”
