Nakuru: Man Shot in Leg as Police Disrupt DCP Politicians Rally
- A Nakuru resident was shot in the leg as the police unleashed explosives to disperse the public that had gathered for a rally
- Members of the DCI party gathered in Gilgil where allies of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua had camped
- Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, condemned the attack, accusing the state of procuring violence to intimidate the opposition
A Nakuru resident sustained a gunshot injury after being caught up in a melee pitting the police and members of the public on Saturday, August 2.
Source: UGC
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's allies had camped in parts of the city to advance their political agenda against the government.
How Gachagua's allies encountered police
Whilst they had an easy pass in select areas, the politicians' procession was blocked in various localities.
When they proved headstrong, the police unleashed explosives to disperse them.
NTV reports that one man was shot in the leg in a commotion in Gilgil.
This came mnths after Gachagua's allies decried brutality frm the police during their tour of Kakamega.
Led by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, the politicians had taken to Kakamega in their mission to popularise the party, which was unveiled on May 15.
Did Gachagua allies encounter chaos in Kakamega?
Among the politicians in Malala's company were senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Kiambu (Karungo Thang'wa).
They accused the police of intercepting their peaceful procession within Kakamega town unprovoked.
Police are said to have lobbed tear gas at the crowds that moved with the leaders' convoy.
Photos shared online showed the crowds scattered as the canisters exploded behind them.
A spent cartridge was also recovered in the convoy.
Malala attributed the chaotic events to President William Ruto, accusing him of leveraging state power to trouble the opposition.
Senator Thang'wa condemned the police and the state, saying the power and might displayed to them by the police should be taken to the banditry-stricken areas of the North Rift.
"Instead of sending police to deal with bandits in Elgeyo Marakwet — the home county of Security CS Murkomen — the government is deploying them to terrorise the people of Kakamega. Today, I joined Senator Malala, the newly unveiled DCP Deputy Party Leader, for his homecoming “greet the people” tour in Kakamega — and we were met with teargas. I strongly condemn this brutal and unnecessary use of force against the people and their leaders. But as always — this too shall pass," he said.
On his part, Senator Methu, who encountered a live round, blamed the president for using the state security apparatus to persecute critics.
The senator vowed to keep to the mission of unseating Ruton in 2027 despite such challenges on the way.
"The firing live bullets and lobbing teargas at unarmed citizens is not law enforcement — it is state-sponsored brutality. Kenya deserves better. We will not be silenced or intimidated. President Ruto’s one-term clock is ticking," he said.
DCP, under the leadership of Gachagua, was unveiled on May 15 to join other opposition outfits which have been finding fault in Ruto's regime.
The party is set to be Gachagua's brand as he eyes the presidency in 2027.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
