Chaos in Nyeri as rival groups clash ahead of Gachagua's rally

Tension gripped Nyeri town moments before Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua arrived for a political rally.

Running battles erupted as rival groups clashed briefly, with opponents of Gachagua facing off against his supporters.

Goons armed with clubs, who attempted to block his entry into the town, were overpowered by Gachagua’s supporters in a brief melee shortly before he arrived.

Despite the tension and chaos, Gachagua went on to address his supporters, accusing local leaders of orchestrating the violence and hiring goons to disrupt the rally.

“Nyinyi viongozi mnapewa pesa mkuje kuvuruga akina mama zenu; akili yenu ni mzuri kweli?” Gachagua said.

Earlier, in Gikomba and Marikiti markets in Nairobi, Gachagua reiterated his presidential ambition, days after announcing that the United Opposition will settle on a single candidate, months before the 2027 polls.

“Nimekuja kuwaambia nitagombea urais, na kuwaomba muingie chama chetu cha DCP,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua’s presidential ambitions have drawn criticism, with opponents arguing that he is constitutionally barred from vying for office following his impeachment. But Gachagua insists he remains firmly in the race.

“Nawaomba mnipatie nafasi niwe rais wa sita wa Jamhuri ya Kenya. Riggy G anatosha… na huyo Ruto tutampeleka haraka sana,” he stated.

The former Deputy President is also popularising his DCP party, saying his fallout with President William Ruto stemmed from lacking a strong political backing and a political party to safeguard the interests of his political backyard.

“Tulipata hasara tulipanda gari ya mtu tukienda harusi. Sasa tunaenda kujenga chama chetu, chama cha kutetea wananchi, na kuunda serikali yetu,” Gachagua noted.

He threw barbs at President William Ruto’s “Singapore dream,” dismissing it as diversionary talk after failure to deliver on campaign promises.

“Unasema Kenya iwe kama Singapore, lakini umeharibu nchi kwa miaka mitatu. Hiyo Singapore ni hadithi tu,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua and his allies have also called for a leadership change in Nairobi come 2027, promising a formidable team to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja.