Kalonzo Alleges Assassination Attempt After Police Attack United Opposition Convoy in Kikuyu Rally

Kalonzo Alleges Assassination Attempt After Police Attack United Opposition Convoy in Kikuyu Rally

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has alleged that security officers attempted to assassinate him after police reportedly opened fire on a convoy of opposition leaders en route to a political rally in Kikuyu.

In a statement issued on April 12, Kalonzo detailed what he described as a dramatic and dangerous confrontation involving his convoy and police officers at the Gitaru–Kikuyu Interchange, shortly before they entered Kikuyu town.

The convoy was carrying several prominent opposition figures, including Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K).

“The convoy carrying Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and Eugene Wamalwa was travelling to Kikuyu when it was intercepted by armed police officers in official police vehicles at the Gitaru–Kikuyu Interchange, just before entering Kikuyu town,” Kalonzo stated.

According to the Wiper leader, the situation escalated rapidly when officers allegedly used force to disperse the convoy.

“The officers opened fire with live ammunition and deployed teargas and rubber bullets against the convoy in broad daylight,” he added.

Kalonzo claimed the confrontation caused the convoy to split into two groups, with one faction proceeding toward Kikuyu town while another was diverted toward Mai Mahiu amid heightened police activity along the route.

He further alleged that officers pursued the group he was travelling in alongside Wamalwa, firing live rounds and teargas canisters in what he described as a sustained crackdown.

“Make no mistake, this was an assassination attempt in broad daylight carried out by police officers,” Kalonzo declared, insisting the operation went beyond routine crowd control measures.

The Wiper leader also claimed that the alleged attack extended beyond political figures to include journalists covering the event.

“The assault targeted not only the leaders but also their vehicles and attending media crews, some of who have sustained injuries and are being treated at the hospital,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, a section of the opposition leaders, led by Gachagua, proceeded to Kikuyu town and addressed supporters in what is widely considered a political stronghold of Kimani Ichung’wah, the area Member of Parliament and National Assembly Majority Leader.

Witnesses reported that the rally drew significant crowds, even as tensions remained high following the earlier standoff. Police later moved in to disperse the gathering, firing teargas canisters and, according to some accounts, live rounds, triggering running battles between officers and sections of the youth.

Amid the chaos, Gachagua struck a defiant tone, refusing to back down despite the heavy police presence.

“I am a Mau Mau son; I am not intimidated,” he declared, as supporters attempted to regroup in the face of the dispersal.

Several individuals were reportedly injured during the clashes, with damage also reported on vehicles, campaign materials, and nearby property as unrest spread across parts of the town.

The incident marks the latest escalation in political tensions following recent public disagreements between opposition leaders and President William Ruto. The fallout has been particularly pronounced since a heated exchange during the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua County.

At that event, Gachagua openly criticised both the President and Ichung’wah, accusing them of orchestrating political disruptions in the Mount Kenya region—claims that have further deepened divisions within the country’s political landscape.

As of Sunday, police had not issued a detailed response to the allegations raised by Kalonzo, and it remains unclear whether investigations into the incident have been launched.

The developments are likely to intensify debate over the use of force by security agencies during political events, as well as broader concerns about political tolerance and public safety in the lead-up to future political engagements.

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Kalonzo Alleges Assassination Attempt After Police Attack United Opposition Convoy in Kikuyu Rally