Tension in Nyeri as Gachagua, Wamumbi supporters clash

@Jamesmurymy

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi are locked in an escalating political standoff that turned violent this week, following clashes between their supporters in Karatina town, Nyeri County.

The unrest left several people injured and disrupted business activities in the usually bustling town.

On Tuesday, irate residents took to the streets of Karatina to protest what they described as targeted harassment of Gachagua by the administration of President William Ruto.

Mr Gachagua, who is now the party leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has faced mounting political pressure in recent weeks.

The protests quickly turned chaotic when Wamumbi and his supporters arrived, sparking confrontation with Gachagua’s loyalists.

“I want to categorically state that we, the residents of Mathira, will not allow anyone to disrupt business or incite violence in Karatina,” said Wamumbi during the melee.

“There are individuals trying to stir chaos here. We won’t allow it because this is a peaceful town.”

The MP dismissed claims by Gachagua that police had attempted to arrest him at his Wamunyoro home.

“That’s a lie meant to mislead hardworking Kenyans,” Wamumbi said, insisting that any grievances should be addressed lawfully.

Although the demonstrations spilled over into parts of Othaya, Tetu, and Nyeri Town constituencies, no further violence was reported in those areas.

In response to the tension, The New Democrats (TND) party leader Thuo Mathenge called for a political ceasefire between the two leaders, both of whom hail from the same constituency.

“We have heard inflammatory statements that, if unchecked, could plunge the country into a crisis similar to what we saw in 2007/2008,” said Mathenge, who also chairs the Board of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.

“The people who fought in Karatina are brothers and sisters who have lived together peacefully for generations. This is a dangerous path we are on.”

Mathenge appealed for restraint and urged political leaders to resolve their differences without involving the public.

“If you have personal issues, lock yourselves in a room and settle them. Don’t drag the people of Nyeri into political quarrels,” he said. “We must choose peace over violence.”

Meanwhile, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, on a tour of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region on Wednesday, also condemned the police response to the protests and urged security agencies to remain impartial.

“The Office of the Inspector General of Police, led by Douglas Kanja, is constitutionally mandated to protect citizens, but not to terrorize them,” MP Salasya said during a stop-over in Nyeri town. “This office should not be misused for political ends.”

He added: “If the DCI must arrest a political leader, due process should be followed. Issue summons, not public ambushes that resemble scenes from action movies. We are leaders, not criminals.”

Adding to the chorus of discontent, DCP Nyeri County Coordinator Wanyaga Gathaka alleged that the government had planned to arrest Gachagua on Tuesday, prompting the demonstrations.

“Residents turned out in large numbers because they believed Gachagua was being unfairly targeted by the Kenya Kwanza regime,” said Mr Gathaka.

“Mr Wamumbi arrived with his supporters and disrupted what was a peaceful protest.”

Mr Gathaka also criticized Wamumbi, accusing him of exploiting the unrest to assert political dominance.

“Mr Gachagua is a former Deputy President and a national party leader. He has never mobilised people to take to the streets, nor has he responded to Wamumbi’s personal insults,” he said.

“Wamumbi simply wanted to show the President that he controls Mathira.”

Mr Gathaka also dismissed Mathenge’s calls for peace as opportunistic.

“Mr Thuo Mathenge should focus on growing his political party. Yes, he serves in the current administration, but he should direct his energy toward party-building instead of lecturing Mr Gachagua,” he said.

The situation in Nyeri has raised broader concerns about political stability within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, with observers warning that unchecked intra-party rivalry could have long-term implications for the region’s unity and national cohesion.

As tensions simmer, calls for dialogue and restraint continue to mount. Whether the two leaders heed the appeals for peace remains to be seen.