Chaos broke out in Tigania East, Meru County, on Saturday after rival political factions clashed ahead of a visit by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The confrontation led to violence along the Meru, Mikinduri highway, temporarily paralysing transport and heightening political tensions in the region.
According to videos and images shared online, a group of youth believed to be aligned with rival political interests set tyres ablaze and blocked the road to prevent Gachagua’s convoy from accessing the area. The disruption forced motorists to divert to alternative routes as the situation escalated.
However, another group of local residents, said to be supporters of the former DP, swiftly responded, attacking the goons and dispersing them. The residents then cleared the road, allowing Gachagua’s convoy to proceed to the planned rally.
Speaking during the political gathering, a lawmaker allied to Gachagua condemned the violence and accused unnamed political rivals of sponsoring the chaos to undermine the event. “We, as the people of Tigania East, have said that we will not condone violence. The signature has already been appended by the party leader, Gachagua. We have said the ticket is one term,” said the legislator.
Gachagua took a direct swipe at President William Ruto, alleging that the violence was state-sponsored and intended to block his political resurgence. He further accused Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi of allegedly mobilising youth to disrupt opposition activities on behalf of the government.”I am the one who brought the president here, and he later chased me out of government. He also sent away Linturi and Justin Muturi; now he wants to phase me out again. Do you accept this?” Gachagua asked the crowd.
He reiterated his commitment to engaging with the people directly, saying. I heard your MP claiming that I cannot come to Mikinduri. Have I not arrived in Mikinduri? I am here and I have come to listen to your plights.” Gachagua asked
The events signal rising political tension within the region as realignments ahead of 2027 elections begin to take shape.