A wave of violent disruption hit Meru this afternoon as hired goons torched tyres and set bonfires along Meru–Mikinduri Road, throwing the region into turmoil just as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was due to hold a political rally.
Videos circulating online captured dramatic scenes: young men lighting blazing barricades on the highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and forcing motorists onto risky alternative routes. The violent tactic was reportedly intended to derail Gachagua’s planned appearance in Tigania East.
Residents, however, soon mobilised. A group of local youths rushed to confront the attackers, engaging in fierce clashes that ended with the goons being chased off. The road was subsequently cleared, enabling Gachagua’s convoy to proceed to the rally site.
Allegations Fly: Paid Saboteurs at Work
At the rally, an MP allied to Gachagua publicly accused a local politician of sponsoring the roadblock—implying state orchestration of the violent crackdown that targeted opposition voices.
Gachagua joined the volley, alleging direct state involvement. He pointed fingers at Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, claiming he had deployed the goons under directives from President William Ruto’s government. Gachagua asserted:
“I am the one who brought the president here, and he later chased me out of the government… I heard your MP claiming that I cannot come to Mikinduri. Have I not arrived?”
The rally came just as President Ruto was touring Meru, where he faced mounting criticism from Gachagua over alleged attempts to silence opposition voices.
The Stakes: Rising Tension in the Mt. Kenya Political Arena
This incident highlights the growing volatility in the Mt. Kenya region, a traditional power base under intense political realignment. Experts warn that tactics like hired goons and intimidation risk spiraling into broader unrest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Strategic rallies are now becoming flashpoints. The use of violence to interrupt political gatherings could fracture local cohesion and deepen national distrust in democratic processes.
What’s Next?
- EVIDENCE COLLECTION: Rally organisers say they are gathering photos, videos, and witness accounts to press charges. Gachagua’s team is reportedly preparing to file a formal complaint with DCI investigators.
- OFFICIAL RESPONSE AWAITED: No state agency has yet addressed the allegations. The silence from the MP accused and from State House is fueling speculation and anger across social media.
- WATCH AREA: Meru County will be on high alert. Security teams must now decide whether to patrol preemptively, or risk another rally explosion without safeguards.
Bottom Line:
Meru’s Mikinduri Road attack is more than local violence—it’s a distress signal. With opposition leaders accusing the state of using intimidation tactics and local residents stepping in to fight back, the episode underscores a tense, fractured political climate descending into confrontation. As 2027 draws near, public safety, political integrity, and regional stability are increasingly at risk.
