The United Opposition faction allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Saturday blocked while travelling to Kagio town in Kirinyaga County, triggering fresh accusations of state-sponsored intimidation. The incident occurred along the Sagana route, about 34 kilometres from Kagio, where police reportedly confronted the opposition convoy.
According to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who was among leaders accompanying Gachagua, police lobbed teargas at the convoy, causing panic among supporters and other road users. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, some accounts suggest officers attempted to curb excessive noise from the convoy. Images circulating on social media showed teargas canisters scattered on the road and vehicles with visible damage, pointing to a violent confrontation.
“Attacked at Sagana while heading for a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea, alongside H.E. Rigathi Gachagua,” Methu Muhia shared.
Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported, and Gachagua later managed to reach Kagio. During the incident, he was seen wearing a black helmet and a bulletproof vest to shield himself from stones and teargas canisters.
This is not the first time the former deputy president has faced hostility during his political engagements. Just a day earlier in Nyeri town, running battles broke out shortly before his arrival as rival groups clashed. Goons armed with clubs attempted to block his entry but were overpowered by Gachagua’s supporters in a brief melee.
In November 2025, police in Narok erected roadblocks to stop Gachagua and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) from accessing the town during a by-election campaign. He bypassed the blocks using local “panya routes,” only for police to later disperse his rally with teargas – marking the first time he appeared publicly wearing protective gear.
Another incident occurred on November 30, 2025, when a thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Nairobi was disrupted by youths armed with crude weapons, leaving at least six people injured. Gachagua later claimed two of his supporters sustained gunshot wounds.
Gachagua has since blamed his critics, including President William Ruto, accusing them of orchestrating coordinated attacks against him and his supporters nationwide.