Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua caused a stir on Thursday when he arrived for a campaign rally in Narok Town Ward wearing a military-style helmet. The unusual gear instantly caught the attention of residents and online users, sparking a wave of reactions ranging from amusement to concern.
Gachagua was in Narok to drum up support for Douglas Masikonde, the DCP candidate for the ward by-election. But even before he took to the stage, the helmet had already become the centre of conversation. Social media lit up with speculation, with some users suggesting the headgear was military-grade protection, while others questioned whether it signaled rising political tension ahead of the vote.
“That’s a military-grade bulletproof helmet… he’s even donning a bulletproof vest inside the shirt,” one user wrote. Another added, “A whole system being driven crazy by a man they said his impeachment would be inconsequential.”
The dramatic moment seemed to foreshadow the chaos that followed. Earlier in the day, Narok Town had witnessed a heavy police presence, with officers mounting major roadblocks along the main highway. Despite the obstacles, Gachagua managed to find his way into the town, courtesy of what he later described as “village paths” guided by supportive locals.
However, barely five minutes into his speech—amid chants of anti-government slogans—police fired teargas into the crowd. A canister was hurled toward Gachagua’s convoy, forcing him and his team to scramble to safety. Supporters dispersed in panic as the rally descended into confusion.
After the incident, Gachagua took to his social media pages, accusing authorities of attempting to block his entry and intimidate his supporters. “The people, a people united, are stronger than all roadblocks, than all bullets, than all stones, than all teargas,” he said, vowing that the will of the people would prevail.
He praised Narok residents, especially the youth, for their resilience and insisted that no amount of intimidation would halt the momentum of his movement.
