The rally aimed to highlight issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, including alleged police brutality, governance failures, and economic hardships.
Earlier in the day, Gachagua and Musyoka had reportedly visited the office of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to submit a formal complaint regarding selective enforcement of the law and harassment of opposition supporters.
As the rally got underway, security forces intervened, firing teargas to disperse the crowd. Traders, boda boda riders, and pedestrians scrambled for cover as thick smoke blanketed parts of River Road.
As the rally got underway, security forces intervened, firing teargas to disperse the crowd. Traders, boda boda riders, and pedestrians scrambled for cover as thick smoke blanketed parts of River Road.
The disruption forced the rally to end abruptly, with opposition leaders escorted to safety by security personnel.
Videos circulating online captured panicked citizens fleeing the area, amplifying concerns about the use of excessive force at political gatherings.
In response to the incident, Gachagua delivered a defiant statement, warning that no weapon, including teargas or firearms, could suppress the will of the Kenyan people.
He accused the government of ruling through fear and intimidation, suggesting that targeting peaceful citizens demanding their rights was both dangerous and irresponsible.
“This is a dangerous path to anarchy,” Gachagua said, calling on President William Ruto to reconsider his approach to dissent.
“This is a dangerous path to anarchy,” Gachagua said, calling on President William Ruto to reconsider his approach to dissent.
He urged the government to prioritize dialogue and accountability, rather than force, to resolve political and social tensions.
The disruption follows a series of recent incidents where opposition rallies were curtailed by police, including the teargassing of supporters of Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela during the Linda Mwananchi tour.
The disruption follows a series of recent incidents where opposition rallies were curtailed by police, including the teargassing of supporters of Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela during the Linda Mwananchi tour.
Such events have sparked debate about civil liberties, freedom of assembly, and the role of law enforcement in political disputes.