Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defied police orders to hold a rally in Kikuyu Town on April 24, addressing supporters despite clashes involving teargas and security forces, as reported by Capital FM Kenya. The event saw violent confrontations between police and crowds, including the erection of barricades and stone-throwing amid rising political tensions in the region.
Kenyan MP Kimani Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of orchestrating the violence, calling for his immediate arrest, citing video evidence linking the former deputy president to unrest along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass and in Kikuyu (Capital FM Kenya). Gachagua responded by labeling President William Ruto and Ichung’wah as "the greatest political cowards" and accused the government of employing force to suppress dissent during his political activities.
Police remained silent on the planned rally prior to the event, even as violent incidents involving suspected gangs blocking major roads caused significant traffic disruptions early on April 24 (Capital FM Kenya). Gachagua criticized the police for their delayed response to the chaos, accusing them of "pretending to act" while the situation deteriorated, particularly around Nairobi’s Southern Bypass.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki Murkomen has called for firm judicial action to address the escalating political violence (Capital FM Kenya). Meanwhile, former Chief Justice David Maraga warned that the rise of armed militias and political unrest threatens to push Kenya toward state failure, highlighting inadequate police responses and widespread attacks on civilians in multiple towns.
Authorities and political leaders will be closely watching the outcomes of ongoing investigations into the Kikuyu clashes and the government's handling of security ahead of further political activities. The situation underscores significant challenges for law enforcement and the stability of Kenya’s democratic process as national elections approach.
Kikuyu
Kimani Ichung'wah
Gachagua
Kenya
Nairobi
Kipchumba Murkomen
Ruto
