Teargas Chaos in Gilgil: Gachagua Allies Attacked as Democracy Comes Under Fire

A peaceful political rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, ended in chaos on Saturday after police officers fired teargas at a crowd gathered to listen to allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

The rally, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, had just begun when tensions rose. Police moved in and began to disperse the crowd using teargas canisters, creating panic and confusion. 

One man was injured during the chaos. According to a video shared online, he was seen sitting on the ground, holding his leg as it bled heavily. His injury added more anger to the already tense situation. 

Videos and photos quickly spread on social media showing police and residents in running battles. People from the crowd were seen throwing stones at the officers in response to the teargas. 

The reason for the police action is still not clear. However, members of the opposition say the move was unlawful and a serious attack on democracy in Kenya. 

In a strong statement, Gachagua’s political party, the Democracy for the Citizens’ Party (DCP), condemned the incident. They said the police attack was ordered by higher authorities to silence them. 

DCP described the action as illegal and a violation of the Constitution of Kenya. They added that political parties are allowed by law to hold meetings and mobilize support anywhere in the country. 

“The Political Parties Act and the Constitution protect our right to engage the people,” the statement read. 

The party said these attacks were not random, but part of a repeated effort to intimidate and suppress their supporters. 

“These repeated and planned acts of intimidation must stop,” they added. 

The opposition is now demanding answers. They want the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take quick and serious action against those who gave the orders and carried out the attack. 

They also criticized the government for ignoring their previous complaints about police harassment. They said they have tried many times to raise the issue, but nothing has changed. 

“There is no accountability from those who are supposed to investigate police violence,” the leaders said. 

They warned that if the police continue to attack peaceful gatherings, their supporters may soon have to defend themselves, peacefully but firmly, under the law. 

The incident has sparked a heated conversation online. Many Kenyans are asking why the police used force on a political meeting that had not caused any trouble. 

Some fear this is a sign that political freedom in Kenya is under threat again. Others say this is not just about one party, but a warning to all political groups. 

Citizens are now asking the Ministry of Interior to explain what happened in Gilgil and why such force was used. 

Rights groups have also joined the conversation. They say the government must respect the rights of all Kenyans, no matter their political side. 

The Gilgil rally was supposed to be a peaceful gathering where people could listen to their leaders. But it ended in fear, violence, and injury. 

Many believe this event is a test of Kenya’s democracy and how the country treats opposition voices. 

It remains to be seen if IPOA will investigate and if anyone will be held responsible for the teargas attack. 

For now, the people of Gilgil and supporters of Gachagua are left shaken, angry, and demanding justice.