Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua found himself in a dangerous situation on December 28, 2024, during a thanksgiving event for Shamata Ward MCA Gitau Njamba in Nyandarua. The event, intended to celebrate the MCA’s achievements, quickly descended into chaos after a teargas canister was lobbed near where Gachagua and other leaders were seated, forcing the former DP to flee for his safety.
The incident occurred as Nyandarua Senator John Methu was delivering his speech, sparking panic among the attendees. What was meant to be a peaceful gathering turned into a violent altercation between the crowd and the police, leaving several injured. The situation escalated when an unidentified man, reportedly a police officer in civilian clothes, was apprehended by the authorities. He is suspected of being responsible for throwing the teargas canister. The crowd, angered by the attack, demanded justice, with some calling for the officer’s immediate punishment.
The melee left the event in disarray, with broken chairs and a visibly disgruntled crowd. The clergy, who were also present, were not spared from the violence, as the disruption affected all those gathered. Amidst the turmoil, Gachagua expressed his frustration, addressing the crowd: “You cannot govern people by force, and you cannot force them to do what you want… tutaongea nao tujue nini imewakasirisha,” he said, calling for dialogue to understand the cause of the anger.
This attack is the second in a series of politically charged incidents involving Gachagua, following a similar attack in Limuru a month ago during a burial ceremony. Gachagua has voiced concerns that these incidents are part of a larger plot orchestrated by the government to destabilize him and his political activities. He expressed dismay, stating, “Ata mkivunja mkutano ata mkituma vijana wakuje na mapanga hawa watu wote walishatoka UDA,” indicating that political forces might be behind the orchestrated attacks.
As the police investigate the motive behind the teargas attack, the incident highlights the growing political intolerance and rising tensions across the country. The attack on Gachagua and the violent confrontation in Nyandarua is a stark reminder of the volatile political landscape, where disagreements often result in physical confrontations and unrest.
With the government and security agencies vowing to get to the bottom of the incident, it remains to be seen how the escalating political atmosphere in the country will unfold in the coming weeks.
