Tensions Escalate as Police Deploy Tear-Gas at Rally for Rigathi Gachagua’s Allies in Nakuru

A rally organised by allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Gilgil, Nakuru County, descended into chaos when police lobbed tear-gas canisters into the crowd. The gathering, led by several members of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and attended by supporters chanting the slogan WanTam , was disrupted shortly after Senator John Methu began addressing residents on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated after police set up roadblocks in Kwa Kahiga, Subukia ahead of the rally. When the participants pushed past a security barrier, officers responded with teargas, sending participants fleeing in panic. One man was reportedly injured in the leg during the resulting skirmish. In a statement from the United States, Gachagua accused President William Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen of orchestrating the disruption.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups who view the police intervention as an assault on political freedoms and a disturbing trend of intimidation ahead of the 2027 general election. Local residents expressed fear that the escalation could deepen divisions in one of Kenya’s most politically volatile counties. Meanwhile, analysts say the episode underscores the growing rift within the ruling coalition and signals the emergence of Nakuru as a key battleground in the coming election cycle.
Looking ahead, the disrupted rally could trigger further escalation if not managed carefully. The DCP has warned of more aggressive mobilisation efforts, while security forces face pressure from civil society to justify their use of force. With both sides ramping up activity, Nakuru County may hinge on how the political and security dimensions are handled in the coming weeks — and whether dialogue or confrontation becomes the norm.