Businesses count losses after chaos erupt ahead of Gachagua's Kikuyu rally

Earlier in the day, tensions had been building after suspected groups of youths blocked sections of the highway, lit bonfires, and disrupted movement in and out of the town. The incidents triggered fear among residents and motorists, with security agencies moving in to contain the situation as political temperatures rose in the area.

As calm briefly gave way to disorder, business premises were reportedly looted, while truck drivers operating along the busy Southern Bypass corridor suffered extensive damage. Several vehicles had their tyres punctured using nails, leaving them stranded and disrupting transport operations for hours.

Truck drivers and traders affected by the unrest have condemned the attacks, describing them as economically destructive and unnecessary. They have called on political leaders to exercise restraint and promote tolerance, warning that such incidents hurt ordinary citizens who depend on daily trade and transport for their livelihoods.

The drivers further urged politicians to respect the rule of law and ensure that voters are allowed to freely exercise their constitutional right to choose leaders without intimidation, coercion, or violence.

Security has since been reinforced in Kikuyu town and surrounding areas, with police working to restore order and safeguard property ahead of the highly anticipated political rally. 

Meanwhile, Gachagua has accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of orchestrating the chaos witnessed on Saturday morning in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, ahead of his planned political meeting in the area.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Gachagua alleged that organised groups, which he referred to as “goons,” were deployed in the early hours of the day to block roads, light fires, and attack motorists along key routes leading into Kikuyu town.

He claimed that the groups, allegedly drawn from Nairobi’s informal settlements, disrupted traffic flow for several hours by placing rocks on roads and deflating tyres of trucks and other vehicles. Gachagua further alleged that the attackers operated with the knowledge of security officials and political actors opposed to his meeting.