Chaos in Kikuyu as police lob teargas to disrupt Gachagua rally

Running battles were reported between police and groups of youths, with officers using teargas to disperse crowds that had gathered in anticipation of the event. 

The situation escalated early in the day after sections of major roads, including the Southern Bypass, were blocked by individuals who lit bonfires using tyres and placed obstacles on the roadway.

The disruption paralysed traffic at key points such as Thogoto and Gitaru, leaving motorists stranded for hours. Some drivers were forced to abandon their journeys or seek alternative routes as congestion spilled over into feeder roads connecting Kikuyu to Nairobi’s western corridor.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, saying movement along the affected routes had become nearly impossible due to smoke from burning tyres and the presence of hostile groups. Security officers were later deployed to clear the barricades and reopen the roads.

The unrest intensified closer to the rally venue, where anti-riot police again fired teargas in a bid to scatter a crowd that had gathered to hear Gachagua speak. Officers were also reported to have fired shots into the air as they attempted to push back sections of defiant youths.

In the ensuing chaos, several people were injured, with reports indicating that some were trampled while fleeing from the teargas. 

Despite the heavy police presence, Gachagua and his supporters remained at the scene for some time, with the former DP urging those affected by teargas to use water to ease the irritation.

"Polisi wametuvamia na Risasi na teargas lakini kwasababu mimi ni mtoto wa Mau mau nimesema lazima nifike. Kimani Ichung'wah alisema sitafika hapa ni wapi nani kiongozi ya Mlima Kenya?" he posed to the crowd. 

"Wewe Kimani Ichung'wah wewe sio wetu hauna tabia za wakikuyu. Chama yetu ni gani? DCP. Hapa Kikuyu mnasemaje?"

The confrontations followed earlier warnings by Gachagua, who had written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja requesting enhanced security for the rally.

In the letter, he alleged there were plans to disrupt the meeting through orchestrated violence targeting businesses and provoking police action.

In a retaliatory move, Ichung'wah had also drafted a letter to the Police IG, alleging that Gachagua had mobilised goons to disrupt businesses in Kikuyu.