KAGIO, Kenya — A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua was on Friday evening disrupted by teargas as the leaders travelled to a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea.
Photos shared by Senator Methu on X showed a fleet of luxury vehicles making a sudden U-turn after encountering thick white smoke that engulfed the road, drastically reducing visibility.
One image also captured a police van stationed behind a roadblock fitted with yellow spikes.
“Attacked at Sagana while heading for a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea, alongside Rigathi Gachagua,” Methu said in a post on X.
Attacked at Sagana while heading for a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea, alongside H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH.Wantam.
The incident occurred as the two leaders toured the region amid heightened political activity, with no immediate explanation from police on the deployment of teargas along the route.
Hours later, Gachagua confirmed that despite the disruption, they proceeded with the visit and addressed residents in Kagio.
“Despite the heavy attack, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment and violent brutality, we reached the very heart of Kirinyaga county—Kagio,” Gachagua said.
He added that residents of Kirinyaga remained “resilient and courageous,” rallying behind his call for political change ahead of the August 10, 2027 general election.
Despite the heavy attack by police, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment and state-sponsored militia and violent brutality of the state, we reached the very heart of Kirinyaga County—Kagio! The people of Kirinyaga are resilient and courageous, united as one in
Images posted by the former deputy president showed him addressing a crowd while wearing protective gear, including a helmet and a bulletproof vest, underscoring the tense security situation surrounding the event.
The Kagio incident followed similar scenes witnessed in Nyeri on Thursday, where rival groups clashed shortly before Gachagua’s scheduled arrival for another rally.
In a separate post, Gachagua alleged that baton-wielding youths involved in the Nyeri unrest were hired by his political opponents in an attempt to intimidate him and his supporters.
Gachagua has recently intensified nationwide tours to popularise his newly launched DCP party and position himself as a key challenger to President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.
