Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned what he termed a “cowardly and ungodly” attack on his allies during a meet-the-people tour in Murang’a County on Sunday, July 27. The clash between politicians and security officers occurred at Ngonda Shopping Centre, where a police roadblock led to a confrontation.
Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating the violence, alleging that the state had deployed rogue police officers to intimidate leaders critical of the government. He demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers involved, warning that justice would eventually prevail.
“Unleashing state-sponsored militia and rogue police on leaders at a public shopping centre on a Sunday, a day of worship, is nothing short of cowardly and ungodly,” Gachagua said. “I call for the immediate arrest and arraignment of these criminals in uniform.”
At least three people were injured in the chaos, which escalated after police lobbed teargas canisters and allegedly opened fire. Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka claimed he narrowly escaped death after bullets struck his car, suggesting he was the target of an attempted assassination.
“Three bullets went through my vehicle. I was a target, and I believe that was an attempt on my life,” Munyaka said.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu echoed the concerns, stating that excessive force was used against the group. He recounted attempts to negotiate with the officers, which were met with violence.
“They directed us to a dangerous route, and when I tried to reason with them, they attacked us. The damage to our vehicles was unprecedented,” Methu said.
This is the second time in a week that Gachagua’s allies have faced resistance from the police. On July 20, a planned rally in Subukia, Nakuru County, was disrupted by security forces using tear gas and roadblocks.
The recurring confrontations highlight growing tensions between Gachagua’s faction and the government, amid allegations of political suppression and misuse of security agencies to stifle dissent.
