Security intensified, calm restored ahead of Gachagua rally in Kikuyu

The situation had escalated after suspected hired goons reportedly blocked sections of the Southern Bypass, lighting bonfires and causing temporary disruption. 

The incidents sparked concern among residents and authorities, raising fears of possible violence ahead of the Gachagua-led political gathering.

Police have since moved in to stabilize the area, deploying additional officers and intensifying patrols to ensure public safety. Normalcy has returned, with traffic resuming and businesses reopening under heightened security surveillance.

The rally comes in the wake of a war of words between Gachagua and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah.  Earlier in the week, Gachagua alleged that Ichung’wah was planning to disrupt the event by hiring goons to instigate chaos and attacks.

However, Ichung’wah has strongly denied the accusations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. In a statement, the lawmaker defended the security officers named in Gachagua’s claims and accused the former Deputy President of attempting to undermine local security arrangements.

“Do not fall into this trap to withdraw security teams from protecting Kikuyu Town against this vile man and his campaign of violence and destruction,” Ichung’wah said, urging authorities to maintain adequate security presence in the area.

Ichung’wah also claimed to have intelligence indicating that individuals linked to the former Deputy President had been mobilising groups in Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyandarua counties to cause disruption in Kikuyu Town.

He warned that businesses belonging to his family had also been identified as potential targets, urging police to act on what he termed credible intelligence.

The Majority Leader further referenced Gachagua’s recent public remarks at a memorial service in Ol Kalou, which he described as evidence of “anger and hate-filled outbursts,” and accused him of pursuing a personal vendetta.

He also criticised Gachagua’s communication to the police, alleging it was part of a “reverse psychology” strategy aimed at influencing the withdrawal of security personnel ahead of planned political events.

Ichung’wa urged the Inspector General to maintain adequate police deployment in Kikuyu Town, warning against what he described as attempts to “manufacture a crisis” and blame security agencies or political opponents.