Motorists on the Southern Bypass on Saturday fell victim to suspected goons who were caught on camera demanding money from drivers on the busy highway ahead of a series of rallies by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
In a video seen by The Kenya Times, the rowdy youth who stormed the busy road and disrupted traffic were seen soliciting payment while on the highway.
The groups were armed and ready to attack anyone who disagreed with their demands.
Some pedestrians were also confronted by the groups as tensions escalated, raising fears of violence among residents and commuters.
Southern Bypass Closed Ahead of Gachagua’s Rally
Earlier on Saturday morning, the unidentified youth blocked sections of the road with bonfires, bringing traffic to a standstill. Two trailers were parked across the road, apparently as a deliberate attempt to block movement.
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Photos showed several piles of burning tires set across the road, sending up thick black smoke that partially obscures visibility.
A few people were seen on the road, with some standing near the fires while others appeared to be moving away from the scene. Police later intervened and cleared the road to allow traffic the resume.
The events came against a background of increased involvement of goons in managing politics, a trend leaders have warned could easily slip out of control.
Kimani Ichungwa Accuses Gachagua of Organizing Goons
In a statement on Friday, April 10, Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah said he had received intelligence indicating that organized groups were planning to target businesses linked to his family in Kikuyu Town.
He said the information had been brought to the attention of the Inspector General and urged the National Police Service to take immediate action to prevent any potential attacks.
“We have further received credible information that organized groups have been directed to specifically target businesses belonging to my family in Kikuyu Town. We put the Inspector General on notice of this intelligence and call on the National Police Service to act on it accordingly,” stated Kimani Ichung’wah.
What Caused the Earlier Attacks in Kikuyu
On his part, Gachagua previously accused Kimani Ichung’wah of being behind plans to disrupt the DCP rally in Kikuyu.
In a letter dated April 10, 2026, the DCP party alleged that the Kikuyu legislator has, on several occasions, made remarks that it interpreted as threats targeting the planned rally.
Gachagua’s party cited comments made during a public function at the Alliance High School grounds on March 25, 2026, as well as remarks in Parliament on April 9, 2026, which he said pointed to a mobilization of individuals to target businesses in Kikuyu Town.
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The party further claimed that, despite what it terms “clear warnings,” no action has been taken by security agencies.
DCP also alleged it has intelligence indicating plans to instigate violence involving organized groups, which it said could provoke a police response that may be used to disrupt the gathering.
It further claimed there are plans to block major roads leading into Kikuyu Town by positioning disabled trucks along highways, allegedly to restrict access to the venue and interfere with the movement of supporters and convoy vehicles.
