Bullets, Stones as Chaos Disrupt Kalonzo-led Opposition Rally in Garissa

An opposition campaign meeting in Garissa Town was thrown into disarray on Saturday after youths disrupted the gathering by hurling stones at leaders and their supporters.

The confrontation forced several politicians to seek shelter in their vehicles as the youths, estimated to number about 50 and operating in different groups, targeted the gathering.

Vehicles were also damaged in the incident, among them one belonging to Democratic Party leader and former Attorney General Justin Muturi. Its windscreen was reportedly partly destroyed.

The disruption came as Nyali MP Mohamed Ali addressed supporters alongside Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Order was restored after the security detail attached to the opposition leaders moved in and chased the youths away.

Kalonzo, speaking after the situation had calmed, urged residents to reject attempts by politicians to use young people to advance their interests.

He also appealed to residents to protect the longstanding relationship between the Somali and Kamba communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We have an agenda. One of them is that once we take over power, we will not allow our youth to be used by selfish politicians to advance their interests. Each and everyone will be allowed to express whatever he or she wants to say, whether one term or two terms,” Kalonzo said.

He said political competition should not be allowed to undermine the peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

“We have been good neighbours for decades, and that relationship must remain the same before, during and after the elections,” he added.

Ali also condemned the disruption, accusing politicians of exploiting the frustrations of unemployed young people for political purposes.

“It is unfortunate that leaders, instead of creating jobs for our youth, are using them to cause chaos. This is what we are against, and we will not allow such things to happen when we form government,” Ali said.

He said Kenyans should be free to campaign for whichever political party they support, adding that voters would ultimately determine who leads the country.

Muturi described the incident as an attempted assassination targeting members of the opposition alliance.

“This is a clear attempted assassination on the lives of the leaders of the United Alternative Government. It should be condemned by all peace-loving Kenyans and law-abiding citizens,” Muturi said.

He said political differences should instead be handled through constitutional and democratic means.

“If you have any opinion, our Constitution guarantees you the right to say whatever you want to say and associate with any Kenyan,” he said.

The rally was attended by several opposition leaders, including DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, as well as political aspirants and local supporters.