Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy came under attack on Friday while he was touring Nakuru County, with the incident reported in Nakuru Town West.
Photos taken after the incident showed several vehicles in the former Deputy President’s motorcade with shattered windscreens and rear windows.
Speaking after the incident, Gachagua accused the government of using goons to disrupt opposition political activities and criticised President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over their statements that goons would not be tolerated.
“When Mr. William Ruto and Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen said goons would not be allowed anywhere in the country, it was just another lie, the usual lip service and political posturing,” Gachagua said.
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Gachagua alleged that Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Naivasha MP Samuel Arama organised and paid the attackers, who he claimed used axes, rocks and other crude weapons during the incident at Kaptembwa in Nakuru Town West Constituency.
He further claimed that local residents intervened to repel the attackers and protect him, his supporters and journalists travelling with the convoy.
“Luckily, wananchi repulsed these thugs and ensured our safety and that of the members of the 4th Estate who were also targeted,” he said.
Gachagua also alleged that the Kenya Kwanza administration was using violence to suppress political competition, claiming that the government had turned to goons after losing public support.
“They think that the only way to stop competition after being abandoned by Kenyans is through the use of violence against opponents and the employment of goons,” he said.
The DCP leader said the attack would not deter him from continuing with his political activities. He claimed his supporters in Njoro, Molo and Rongai had assured him of protection during his planned public engagements in Nakuru over the weekend.
He further criticised what he described as the growing culture of “goonism”, alleging that Kenyans, tourists, foreign nationals, international dignitaries and investors would have to contend with it until the next General Election.
The incident came on the same day former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, who is part of the United Opposition alongside Gachagua, reportedly cut short his campaign stop in Bomet following what was described as a hostile reception.
Matiang’i was reportedly on his way to Narok when he briefly stopped in Bomet to popularise his presidential bid, but a section of the crowd began chanting “Tutam”.
Efforts to calm the crowd, including appeals highlighting the neighbourly ties between residents of Kisii and Bomet counties, reportedly failed as the chants grew louder.
Matiang’i’s entourage eventually left the town amid the hostility.
