Police Fire Teargas At Gachagua, Kalonzo Rally in Nairobi’s CBD
On Monday afternoon, police shot teargas into a gathering led by Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka near the Tea Room area in Nairobi’s Central Business District, causing chaos and pandemonium.
The incident occurred while Kalonzo was introducing members of his party who had attended the event alongside him.
Videos shared online reveal that immediately after one of the Wiper Party candidates finished speaking, the media coverage went dark for a short period before a large smoke cloud appeared as supporters scattered.
Moments thereafter, Gachagua and the other commanders are spirited away down River Road, trailing plumes of smoke.
Following their visit to the Inspector General of Police headquarters to protest police abuse, the opposition leaders held a rally in the CBD.
“The police service exists to serve the people of Kenya, not to intimidate them. The law must apply equally to all,” the former Deputy President said.
Following the interruptions, opposition leaders blamed the administration for organizing the turmoil.
Gachagua openly criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, claiming that he directed police to stop the demonstration.
The event comes after a similar occurrence in Kitengela on Sunday, when the ODM faction led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino conducted a rally in the region.
The meeting was abruptly ended when police threw tear gas, causing supporters to escape for safety.
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According to reports, two individuals died as a result of the incident, and over 50 people were injured.
However, Gachagua is not new to police attacks. He has on several occasions faced disruptions at his functions, with the recent incident happening at an ACK church in Othaya.
The recent attacks on the church were one of the reasons the opposition brigade went to see IG Kanja, although he was not at his office at Jogoo House.
The leaders vowed to visit again on Friday, February 20, to seek answers regarding the church attacks, even as police maintain active investigations into the matter, which is ongoing.
Police Fire Teargas At Gachagua, Kalonzo Rally in Nairobi’s CBD
