Wamuzi News Ke
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political allies were met with police violence in Murang’a County today, as riot officers fired live rounds and lobbed tear gas to disperse the convoy of Nyandarua Senator John Methu and other Democracy for Citizens Party leaders.
The clash erupted around 2:00 p.m. EAT after a church service in Kigumo Constituency, where Gachagua allies had planned to deliver speeches and attend multiple rallies. Police erected a sudden roadblock, barring their vehicles from progressing toward designated venues. Tensions soared as Methu and colleagues attempted to negotiate passage with officers, only to be met with aggressive resistance.
Ambush Unfolds: Gunfire and Tear Gas Spark Chaos
Eyewitnesses report that police first refused entry to the convoy into Murang’a town, then escalated force. A teargas canister was deployed near Methu as he questioned authorities: “What have we done? What is the problem with addressing the people?” The situation swiftly deteriorated as gunshots were fired into the air, prompting the group to flee in a panicked retreat.
A vehicle from Methu’s convoy sustained visible damage, and videos circulating online show individuals scrambling as the canister landed. The demonstrative force reflects heightened state sensitivity to Gachagua-linked gatherings in Central Kenya.
Political Fallout: Intimidation or Security Measure?
This confrontation comes amid a series of state-led crackdowns on Gachagua-affiliated events. Since forming his Democracy for Citizens Party, the former deputy president has frequently clashed with police—most notably when live rounds and tear gas were used during earlier DCP rallies in Nyandarua and Nairobi.
DCP officials condemned the Murang’a standoff as deliberate intimidation by security agencies. They noted increasing use of force at virtually every public appearance by the opposition-linked faction, warning that such tactics are intolerable in a democratic state.
What It Means for Political Climate
The incident signals intensifying friction between Gachagua’s movement and state apparatus. Analysts warn the show of force may reflect broader suppression tactics aimed at curbing opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. With politicians alleging targeted disruptions, a chilling political atmosphere is taking root in former Kenya Kwanza strongholds.
Next Steps: Inquiry or Escalation?
Gachagua’s team has called for an urgent investigation into the police’s use of force, demanding accountability for those behind the blockade order. Senator Methu and other detained or blocked figures are expected to pursue legal recourse, and civil liberties groups are sounding the alarm over excessive state violence.
With Kenya’s political calendar heating up, today’s violent scenes in Murang’a may mark a turning point. Whether it triggers a crackdown backlash or compels a security reset remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: DCP allies are no longer moving quietly—and state pushback is growing increasingly visible.
