A planned rally by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Subukia, Nakuru County, was met with heavy police resistance on Sunday, as officers erected roadblocks and used tear gas to disperse the crowd and leaders.
The rally, led by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, was aimed at engaging local residents on matters of national interest. However, the event was interrupted before it could begin, with police blocking the leaders’ convoy and dispersing the assembled crowd using tear gas canisters.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated quickly as security forces surrounded the venue and denied entry to both leaders and residents. Despite hours of disruption and mounting tension, Malala and his team eventually managed to access the town and hold a brief address to the residents.
In his speech, Malala condemned the police action and accused the government of suppressing freedom of expression and assembly. “This is not the democracy we fought for. Every Kenyan has the right to be heard and to hear from their leaders. No one should be stopped from speaking to the people,” he stated.
He further alleged that the state was behind the attempts to block the rally, branding the incident as a sign of growing intolerance towards dissent. Senator Methu echoed the sentiment, saying that peaceful political engagement should never be met with state force.
The confrontation in Subukia is the latest in a series of incidents where opposition-affiliated groups have faced barriers while attempting to hold public meetings. The DCP has vowed to continue with its outreach programs across the country despite the resistance.
Malala called on the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and warned that such actions risk undermining Kenya’s democratic fabric. “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak for the people and with the people,” he declared.
The incident has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who are now demanding answers from security agencies regarding the use of force on peaceful gatherings.
