A political rally organised by allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted by police in Subukia, Nakuru County, on Sunday, in a sign of deepening political friction within Kenya Kwanza.
Led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, the leaders were met with roadblocks and tear gas as they attempted to address residents.
The group had earlier attended a church service at AIC Subukia Town before embarking on a series of whistle-stop engagements. However, tensions escalated when police sealed off roads leading to the rally venue, forcing a standoff with the gathered crowd.
Despite the heavy police presence and the dispersal, the leaders later regrouped and addressed residents in the town centre, vowing not to be silenced.
Malala condemned the disruption, accusing the government of attempting to suppress alternative voices.
“Kenyans have a constitutional right to assemble and express themselves,” Malala said. “The intimidation we witnessed today is unacceptable in a democratic society.”
Senator Methu echoed the sentiment, saying in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “The state attempted to block our way to Nakuru at Subukia but failed terribly. The people of Nakuru have spoken.”
Gachagua, who is currently abroad, commended the leaders for pushing on with the rally in his absence.
“Despite my absence, your dedication and commitment have kept the momentum strong,” he said in a statement. “Asanteni sana watu wa Nakuru! Tunawapenda.”
The DCP, which has recently gained traction in central Kenya, appears to be positioning itself as a breakaway faction amid murmurs of discontent within the ruling coalition. Sunday’s events suggest growing unease in government circles about the former deputy president’s political influence in the Mt Kenya region.
The Subukia rally was one of several engagements DCP leaders have held in recent weeks, capitalising on grassroots discontent over taxation, governance, and alleged exclusion from key government decisions.
