Anti-riot police officers have opened fire at a political rally organised by allies of former DP Rigathi Gachagua in Murang’a. The incident occurred on Sunday July 27 shortly after Nyandarua Senator John Methu and others attended a church service in Kigumo Constituency.
The leaders were expected to address roadside gatherings across the county. However police mounted a blockade on a key highway and ordered the convoy to turn back. Attempts by the leaders to negotiate with a commanding officer failed as tensions escalated.
Senator Methu was captured on video questioning the officers saying he saw no issue with addressing the public. The standoff turned chaotic when a teargas canister was thrown near the senator forcing him and his team to flee. Police also reportedly fired live bullets.
Images showed damage to vehicles in Methu’s convoy. Gachagua’s team issued a statement blaming armed police and suspected hired goons for ambushing the leaders after church.
Several individuals were reportedly injured in the incident. Unconfirmed reports suggested the attackers also targeted the convoy with stones and other objects.
Smashed car during a political rally in Nyandarua on July 27. Photo: Nation Source: X
This marks the second weekend in a row that police have blocked meetings involving Gachagua’s allies. On July 20 officers stopped a planned rally in Subukia by erecting roadblocks along the Nakuru Nyahururu highway.
That earlier event followed another church service attended by the same group. The opposition figures had used the opportunity to criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In both cases the police cited security concerns but critics argue the actions are politically motivated. The affected leaders insist they have a right to move freely and engage with the public.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the Murang’a incident. The rising tensions between Gachagua’s faction and state agencies continue to draw public concern over political freedoms and the conduct of law enforcement.
