The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has strongly condemned the police invasion of a church in Othaya on Sunday, describing the incident as a shocking assault on freedom of worship and a dangerous escalation of political repression in the country.
The police raid, which disrupted an ongoing church service attended by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua,has sparked outrage and deep concern over the growing politicization of security forces.
LDP warns that the rising wave of political violence being witnessed across the country is alarming and represents a worrying trend that threatens Kenya’s democratic foundations.
The party, through its Secretary General Dr. Denise Kodhe, has appealed to the police and all other security agencies to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, respect God, and protect places of worship, which should remain sanctuaries of peace and unity for all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation.
Dr. Kodhe questioned the sincerity of President William Ruto’s repeated claims of being God-fearing, arguing that such declarations ring hollow when security forces are deployed to disrupt church services and intimidate citizens.
“You cannot profess faith in God while authorizing the violation of sacred spaces,” the party noted.
The LDP further warned President Ruto that the continued use of police and other security forces to intimidate Kenyans will ultimately work against his leadership and will not provide solutions to the myriad economic, social, and governance challenges facing the country.
The party reminded the President that the late former President Daniel Arap Moi, who frequently relied on security forces to maintain power, was eventually voted out when Kenyans peacefully removed KANU from government through the ballot in 2002.
According to the LDP, attempting to coerce citizens into supporting a particular political ideology through force is undemocratic and a recipe for chaos.
The party emphasized that hooded security squads, police intimidation, and violent crackdowns will not compel citizens to support President Ruto if they have lost confidence in his leadership.
Reaffirming its commitment to truth, justice, democracy, and respect for human rights, the LDP called upon all peace-loving Kenyans — including members of ODM and other opposition parties — not to relent in the struggle against bad governance.
The party urged citizens to remain vigilant and to mobilize voters to democratically vote out what it described as President Ruto’s dictatorial and oppressive regime in the 2027 General Elections.
The LDP further expressed concern that despite the much-publicized ten-point agenda agreed upon between President Ruto and ODM, abductions, intimidation, arrests, and killings of innocent citizens by hooded security operatives are still ongoing.
The party described the situation as sad, shameful, and a betrayal of public trust.
In a final rebuke, the LDP noted that even the late President Moi — widely regarded as President Ruto’s political mentor — respected places of worship and largely restrained police invasions of churches.
The party questioned why such violations are now becoming commonplace under the current administration, warning that history will judge harshly those who trample on faith, freedom and gains we have made over the past.
About the Author
