A tense incident unfolded on Sunday in Kamukabi, Murang’a County, after a group of politicians allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed to have narrowly escaped death during a violent confrontation with police officers. The leaders had attended a church service at AIPCA Kahuro in Kigumo Constituency when chaos erupted.
Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka alleged that his car was shot at multiple times and its windscreen smashed by a stone-wielding police officer. “Luckily, the driver swerved, and just then, three bullets rang into the air, going through my vehicle. I believe it was an attempted assassination,” said Munyaka. He added that the attack rendered the vehicle barely operable, and officers eventually caught up with them, further damaging the car and injuring the driver.
Munyaka claimed the police were accompanied by masked men wielding pistols and described the experience as unprecedented, even comparing it unfavorably to past regimes. “I have served under all previous presidents and never witnessed this level of violence,” he said.
Other leaders present shared similar accounts. Former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said his vehicle was shot at from both sides. “They were not aiming at my feet. If I had died, what would they have told my children?” he posed, alleging that the shooter was a bodyguard linked to a local political figure.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said the police attempted to reroute the leaders toward an ambush before lobbing teargas canisters at them. “Why would a police officer shoot at a vehicle at close range?” he questioned, warning that the use of excessive force infringes on constitutional rights.
Area MP Joseph Munyoro condemned the violence, warning officers they would be held individually accountable for any harm caused. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru confirmed that a report had been filed at Gachocho Police Post and urged international human rights bodies to intervene, citing lack of trust in local oversight institutions.
The leaders vowed to pursue justice, with plans to file a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), while keeping key evidence such as recovered bullets in their custody.
