NAIROBI, Kenya — Public transport company Super Metro has denied allegations that its buses were used to ferry political goons to Kirinyaga to disrupt meetings addressed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The company said the buses seen in the county were transporting secondary school students who were travelling to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency for a hike.
Super Metro said the clarification was provided by AIC Church Ziwani Nairobi, which organised the students’ trip.
“The AIC Church Ziwani Nairobi has clarified that the buses spotted in Kirinyaga were carrying secondary school boys and girls who were heading for a hike at Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency,” the company said.
Super Metro rejects political links
The transport company said the young people aboard the buses had no connection to political activities.
It was responding to allegations that its vehicles had been hired to transport people to cause disruptions at meetings being addressed by Gachagua.
“The youths had no connection to political activities amid earlier claims that the buses were carrying people brought in to cause havoc at Rigathi Gachagua’s meetings,” Super Metro said.
The company did not indicate whether it would pursue any legal action over the allegations.
Njeri Maina raises alarm over buses
The controversy began after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accused Super Metro of transporting people she described as political goons into the area.
Maina claimed the group had been brought to Kirinyaga to disrupt Gachagua’s political engagements.
“Super Metro!!! I see you have transported Kasongo’s goons to Kirinyaga to wreck havoc at Riggy G’s meetings,” Maina said.
She also warned that organisers and facilitators of the alleged mobilisation could face legal consequences if violence occurred during the political meetings.
“We shall hold you legally culpable for aiding and abetting any violence that happens at any of the meetings today,” she added.
Super Metro subsequently disputed the allegations, maintaining that the passengers were school-going children travelling for a recreational activity.
Gachagua’s meetings attract heightened attention
The dispute comes amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been holding consultations and meetings as he seeks to consolidate his political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has recently intensified his grassroots mobilisation, with rival political camps increasingly accusing one another of organising supporters to disrupt political gatherings.
The presence of groups arriving in areas where political rallies are being held has also become a source of suspicion, particularly amid growing concerns over political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 polls.
