Kikuyu chaos: Police move in to clear blocked roads ahead of Gachagua rally
Police have moved in to clear barricaded roads in Kikuyu after suspected goons blocked key sections of the Southern Bypass, triggering a tense standoff just hours before a high-stakes opposition rally.
Officers, working with motorists and local residents, removed burning tyres and stalled trailers at Thogoto and Gitaru, restoring traffic flow after hours of disruption that had cut off access in and out of Kikuyu.
The operation was led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which confirmed that normal movement had resumed in the affected areas.
Morning chaos brings transport to a halt
Earlier, commuters were left stranded as groups blocked roads using fires and heavy vehicles, paralysing one of the busiest routes linking Nairobi and its outskirts.
The disruption sparked fear among residents and motorists, with tensions rising rapidly as the situation unfolded in real time.
Rally turns into political flashpoint
The chaos came ahead of a planned rally expected to be attended by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka in Kikuyu — the political backyard of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The event has quickly turned into a test of political dominance, with rivalry between Mr Gachagua and Mr Ichung’wah spilling into the public arena.
Gachagua claims plot to block rally
Ahead of the rally, Mr Gachagua wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, warning of a planned disruption.
He alleged that:
- Roads would be blocked to restrict access
- Goons would be deployed to cause chaos
- Violence would be triggered to justify police action
“What makes Kikuyu Town special and predisposed to violence?” he posed, citing previous peaceful rallies in other parts of Kiambu.
War of words escalates
The developments have intensified an already bitter political contest between Mr Gachagua and Mr Ichung’wah, with each side accusing the other of destabilising the region.
Mr Gachagua’s allies have pointed to the roadblocks as proof of a coordinated attempt to block opposition activities in the area.
On the other hand, leaders aligned to Mr Ichung’wah have dismissed the claims, framing the tensions as politically instigated narratives ahead of the rally.
The standoff has now shifted from rhetoric to the ground, with real-world disruptions amplifying the rivalry.
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