Tensions flared in Kakamega on Saturday, May 24, as violent confrontations broke out ahead of a scheduled Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) rally.
Clashes erupted between rival groups of youth believed to be supporters of DCP, leading to widespread disruption in the central business district.
Businesses were forced to shut down temporarily as police struggled to restore order amid escalating confrontations.
The rally was intended to welcome former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala home after he was appointed as the Deputy Party Leader of the party early this month during the unveiling of the Democracy for Citizens’ party (DCP).
Seen in a video, Nyandarua Senator John Methu is among Gachaguas’ allies who were affected by a teargas canister thrown at them.
The Party was unveiled on May 15 in a colourful ceremony in Lavington by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Shamata Attack
This disruption of the party event associated with the former second in command is not the first one.
On 28th December 2024, during a thankgiving service for Shamata Ward MCA Gitau Njamba in Nyandarua County, chaos erupted when a teargas canister was thrown near the VIP tent as Nyandarua Senator John Methu was speaking.
The crowd panicked, and police fired live bullets into the air to disperse attendees. Investigations revealed that a police constable, Frederick Gitau, was responsible for the disruption.
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The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that police had prior intelligence about potential chaos but failed to act appropriately, and some suspects arrested before the event were released under questionable circumstances.
Limuru Attack
Again, at a burial service in Limuru on 28 November 2024, Kiambu County, goons disrupted the event as former MP Peter Mwathi criticized the government’s treatment of Gachagua. The attackers destroyed tents and hurled stones at Gachagua’s convoy, forcing him to flee. Several attendees were injured during the chaos.
Attack in Naivasha
Additionally, Gachagua faced police resistance while attempting to address a rally in Naivasha on 29 March. Officers armed with clubs and tear gas tried to disperse the crowd.
Despite the interference, Gachagua managed to speak to his supporters, accusing the government of using state machinery to suppress dissent.
Kasarani Youths Attack
On 6th April 2025, in Kasarani, before Gachagua’s arrival at a church service, a group of youths attempted to disrupt the event. Security officers fired gunshots into the air to disperse them. Several vehicles, including one belonging to Gachagua, were damaged during the incident.
In response to the disruption by the police in Kakamega, Nyandarua Senator John Methu has said that firing live bullets and lobbing targas at unarmed citizens is not law enforcement but rather “state-sponsored brutality”.
“Firing live bullets and lobbing teargas at unarmed citizens is not law enforcement it is state sponsored brutality. Kenya deserves better. We will not be silenced or intimidated,” Methu said.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa also condemned the act of the police to distrupt the rally.
“I strongly condemn this brutal and unnecessary use of force against the people and their leaders,But as always this too shall pass,” Karungo said.
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The confrontations that erupted in Kakamega ahead of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) rally underscore the state of political discourse in Kenya as the 2027 elections approach.
These clashes, set against the backdrop of DCP’s recent formation and its challenge to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), highlight deep-seated tensions fueled by political pressure and accusations of state-sponsored intimidation.
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