Chaos as Police Fire Teargas During Gachagua, Kalonzo Rally in Nairobi CBD
Tension gripped the city centre on Monday afternoon after police officers dispersed a political rally attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka in Nairobi’s Central Business District\, sending traders, commuters and supporters fleeing for safety.
The gathering, organised by leaders allied to the Wiper Party, had drawn a sizeable crowd near the Tea Room area where speakers addressed supporters from a makeshift podium. The rally came shortly after opposition leaders visited police headquarters to present complaints over alleged brutality during recent demonstrations.
Witnesses said the atmosphere was initially calm, with leaders taking turns to address the crowd. Trouble reportedly began moments after one of the party aspirants finished speaking and Musyoka began introducing accompanying leaders.
Suddenly, loud bangs rang out and clouds of teargas engulfed the intersection.
A fruit vendor who was operating nearby described the moment panic erupted. “We just heard a loud explosion and saw smoke everywhere, then people started running in all directions,” she said while covering her stall with a cloth to keep off the gas.
Footage circulating online showed media coverage briefly interrupted before visibility was obscured by thick smoke. Supporters scrambled through nearby streets, some helping elderly pedestrians escape the fumes while others sought refuge inside shops and office buildings.
Within minutes, security officers advanced toward the crowd, pushing people away from the rally point. Gachagua and Musyoka were hurried into waiting vehicles and driven toward River Road as officers continued dispersing groups that attempted to regroup.
One youth who attended the rally said the police action was unexpected. “We were just listening to speeches when the teargas came without warning,” he claimed, adding that several people fell while trying to escape.
Police officers at the scene declined to speak on camera, but a senior security official later stated the action was meant to prevent obstruction of movement within the busy commercial district. “The gathering had begun blocking traffic and posed a safety risk to the public,” the officer explained.
Opposition leaders, however, accused authorities of suppressing lawful assembly. Addressing journalists shortly after leaving the scene, Musyoka stated, “We had notified authorities of a peaceful engagement with citizens. The response we saw today was unnecessary.”
Gachagua echoed the sentiments, insisting the leaders had only sought to communicate concerns raised by residents. “Our intention was dialogue, not confrontation,” he said.
Business owners counted losses as customers avoided the smoke-filled streets for hours. Several shops closed early while public transport operators temporarily suspended operations along adjacent routes.
The incident adds to a series of recent confrontations between political groups and law enforcement in the capital, highlighting growing tensions ahead of anticipated political engagements in the coming months.
Authorities have yet to announce whether investigations will be opened into the incident, while organisers indicated plans to continue public engagements in other parts of the city.
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Chaos as Police Fire Teargas During Gachagua, Kalonzo Rally in Nairobi CBD
