Video: Commotion as Police Block Rigathi Gachagua's Allies from Addressing Rally in Nakuru
- On Sunday, July 20, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's allies attended a church service in Nakuru county
- Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala shared a video of police officers attempting to block the opposition leaders from accessing Subukia Town
- In the video, police are seen throwing teargas canisters at the leaders as the convoy forced its way through the roadblock
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nakuru—Drama has been witnessed along the Nakuru-Nyahururu Highway following the clash between police and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders.
Source: Facebook
On Sunday, July 20, police teargassed a convoy of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's close allies.
Why did police block Gachagua's allies in Nakuru?
The leaders, led by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua senator John Methu, had attended a church service at Subukia AIC in Nakuru county.
However, after the service, armed police officers blocked Gachagua's allies from proceeding to Subukia Town.
Heavily armed police officers manned roadblocks as they blocked the leaders from conducting a political rally in Subukia Town where residents had gathered.
In a video shared by Malala, Methu and other leaders can be seen attempting to negotiate a way through.
Authorities, seemingly anticipating a confrontation with the leaders' convoy, set up a roadblock, outfitted with spikes and a warning sign, while a large group of officers stood along the bustling highway.
As tensions mounted and the leaders remained determined to continue their journey, authorities responded by launching teargas canisters.
However, the leaders managed to pass through the roadblock as police hurled teargas canisters at them and the crowd that had gathered.
Source: Facebook
What did Rigathi Gachagua's allies say about the Nakuru incident?
Taking to social media, the Nyandarua senator said the officers had failed terribly to stop them from addressing a political rally in Subukia.
"The state attempted to block our way to Nakuru at Subukia but failed terribly," Methu said.
In a statement, Malala accused President William Ruto of using police to intimidate the opposition.
The former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general insisted that Ruto will not be elected in 2027 despite the tactics being deployed against the opposition.
"Despite intimidation and unnecessary use of excessive force by the police, under instructions from power drunk President William Ruto, the people of Kabasi area turned up in their thousands and welcomed me, the deputy party leader, alongside notable DCP party national leaders with great aplomb. Together, we agreed that Ruto and his oppressive, bloodthirsty regime are nothing but one term. Kenya can't wait for better leadership," Malala said.
How Kindiki differed with Gachagua
In other political news, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki slammed Gachagua for accusing him of hiring goons.
Speaking in Boston, United States, Gachagua claimed that Kindiki received KSh 60 million from the president to hire goons to infiltrate peaceful protests.
However, Kindiki took to his social media platforms on Saturday, July 19, to strongly refute Gachagua's claims.
In his statement, Kindiki warned his predecessor that he had crossed the line by linking him to chaos witnessed during recent Gen Z protests.
The deputy president affirmed that he had never been involved in orchestrating violence and chaos since he began his job in the public service.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
