Teargas, chaos as Gachagua rally stormed in Ichung’wah turf; blames Ruto allies
Today’s political rally led by former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Rigathi Gachagua in National Assembly’s Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah’s political backyard in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, descended into chaos after police fired teargas and reportedly used live ammunition to disperse crowds, amid claims of disruption by suspected goons.
The standoff unfolded as thousands of supporters gathered in Kikuyu and its surroundings as seemingly organized goons ran on rampage causing havoc and robbing motorists and pedestrians without in sight of police in the highly tense area.
Running battles were reported between police and groups of youths, with officers using teargas to disperse crowds that had gathered in anticipation of the event.
The situation escalated early in the day after sections of major roads, including the Southern Bypass, were blocked by individuals who lit bonfires using tyres and placed obstacles on the roadway.
Witnesses said tensions escalated when groups of youths, alleged to have been mobilised to disrupt the event, began clashing with attendees, forcing police to intervene.
Videos and images from the scene showed running battles, with police lobbed teargas canisters to break up the crowds.
Some attendees claimed they heard gunshots, sparking panic as people fled for safety. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged in the melee, while businesses in the vicinity temporarily shut down.
In a strongly worded statement posted afterward, Gachagua accused President William Ruto and Ichung’wah of orchestrating the chaos to suppress dissent in the region.
“Mr William Ruto and Kimani Ichung’wah are the greatest political cowards in the country,” Gachagua said.
“The use of police, live ammunition and teargas cannot stop an idea whose time has come,” Gachagua added.
He praised residents of Kikuyu for defying what he termed intimidation and violence.
“Thank you the great people of Kikuyu for your bravery, courage and resilience. You have proven you cannot be intimidated by Ruto and Ichung’wa by whatever means and you made hard decisions about 2027,” he added.
The former Deputy President further escalated his political rhetoric, declaring: “Ruto is One-Term and Ichung’wa must follow him to Sugoi. Thank you for the warm, heroic and ecstatic welcome. I promise you I will not let you down the people of Kikuyu.”
Police, however, maintained they were responding to a volatile security situation, citing the need to restore order after confrontations between rival groups threatened to spiral out of control. Authorities have yet to confirm reports of live ammunition use or provide details on injuries.
The confrontations followed earlier warnings by Gachagua, who had written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja requesting enhanced security for the rally.
In the letter, he alleged there were plans to disrupt the meeting through orchestrated violence targeting businesses and provoking police action.
In a retaliatory move, Ichung’wah had also drafted a letter to the Police IG, alleging that Gachagua had mobilised goons to disrupt businesses in Kikuyu.
