Teargas, Chaos as Gachagua Leads Kikuyu Rally with Kalonzo, Matiang’i
Politics Updated: 11 April 2026 21:58 EAT
DCP leader led United opposition rally by a Public Engagement in Kikuyu, Kiambu County
A political rally led by Rigathi Gachagua in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, turned chaotic on Saturday after police used teargas to disperse crowds attending the opposition gathering.
The rally, held in Gitaru and parts of Kikuyu town, attracted large numbers of supporters, marking one of the most high-profile opposition mobilisations in the Mt. Kenya region in recent months.
Gachagua was joined by key opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i, signalling a united front as political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to take shape.
Tension escalated earlier in the day after sections of the Southern Bypass near Thogoto interchange and the Kikuyu railway bridge were blocked, causing major traffic disruptions and halting movement in and out of the town.
Witnesses reported that groups of youths barricaded roads and lit tyres, prompting heavy deployment of anti-riot police who moved in to restore order.
Police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse crowds attempting to access the rally venue, leading to running battles and confusion in parts of Kikuyu town.
Addressing the crowd amid the standoff, Gachagua claimed the opposition convoy had been targeted by security forces on arrival.
“Alright, we were there, coming with Kalonzo and Matiang'i, when the police attacked us and used live bullets and tear gas. But because I am a child of the Mau Mau, I said I must enter Kikuyu land,” he told supporters.
He questioned political leadership in the region, repeatedly asking, “Who is the leader of Mount Kenya? Who is the leader of Mount Kenya?”
Gachagua also took aim at unnamed leaders, declaring, “If I am here in Kikuyu land, am I at home? I am not at home… we do not believe you are a Kikuyu.”
In a direct political attack, he accused rivals of betrayal, stating, “You have joined with William Ruto to betray the Kikuyu community, it is a very big mistake.”
“These Kikuyu people who elected you three times, you used police, bullets, and tear gas to beat the very people who elected you,” he added.
The former deputy president intensified his rhetoric with chants directed at the crowd, urging participation and unity during the charged address.
“You, the destroyer… Zakayo, you thief, you murderer, you enemy of the Kikuyu,” he said, remarks that drew loud reactions from sections of the crowd.
He further announced what he termed a political campaign against perceived traitors within the region.
“I, here on the mountain, have announced ‘Operation Sweep’ to sweep out the traitors of our community. When I say ‘Arambe,’ you say ‘Sweep.’ Arambe, sweep. All traitors, sweep,” he declared.
Gachagua also rallied supporters to remain steadfast, repeatedly urging them to move forward despite the disruptions witnessed during the event.
William Ruto and leaders allied to the government have previously denied accusations of orchestrating disruptions, maintaining that security agencies act independently to preserve
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