The incident has sparked new debate about the growing tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto’s administration, especially as by-election campaigns heat up in the region.
According to Gachagua, his team had encountered unusual resistance long before arriving at the venue.
According to Gachagua, his team had encountered unusual resistance long before arriving at the venue.
He claimed that police officers mounted several roadblocks along the main road leading to Narok town, allegedly with the aim of preventing him from attending the rally.
Despite the obstacles, he managed to reach the meeting point, where he was welcomed by a large crowd.
Speaking on arrival, Gachagua accused the government of using intimidation to silence him and weaken the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he leads.
Speaking on arrival, Gachagua accused the government of using intimidation to silence him and weaken the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he leads.
He told residents that the state was “afraid” of his growing support in the region and was attempting to interfere with the campaigns.
“Police tried to stop me from entering Narok, but here I am,” he said confidently.
“Police tried to stop me from entering Narok, but here I am,” he said confidently.
“The government is panicking because our message is gaining momentum.”
Gachagua encouraged the gathered residents not to be frightened by the heavy security presence. He insisted that police deployment was meant to create fear among voters ahead of the by-election, but warned that such tactics would instead boost support for his candidate, Douglas Masikonde.
“Don’t fear anyone who comes here to create tension,” he told the crowd.
Gachagua encouraged the gathered residents not to be frightened by the heavy security presence. He insisted that police deployment was meant to create fear among voters ahead of the by-election, but warned that such tactics would instead boost support for his candidate, Douglas Masikonde.
“Don’t fear anyone who comes here to create tension,” he told the crowd.
“Their actions only show that they know Masikonde is the strongest candidate.”
The message was received with shouts of approval from the residents, many of whom had waited hours to hear him speak.
The rally remained peaceful until Gachagua invited Masikonde to address the crowd. Barely a minute into his speech, loud pops were heard from the direction of the road, followed almost immediately by clouds of teargas drifting toward the gathering.
The crowd quickly dispersed as the gas spread, sending families running for safety. Video clips shared online captured residents choking, coughing, and scrambling away from the smoke, while others could be heard screaming in confusion.
The message was received with shouts of approval from the residents, many of whom had waited hours to hear him speak.
The rally remained peaceful until Gachagua invited Masikonde to address the crowd. Barely a minute into his speech, loud pops were heard from the direction of the road, followed almost immediately by clouds of teargas drifting toward the gathering.
The crowd quickly dispersed as the gas spread, sending families running for safety. Video clips shared online captured residents choking, coughing, and scrambling away from the smoke, while others could be heard screaming in confusion.
Campaign officials attempted to calm people down, but the meeting was cut short.
The sudden use of teargas shocked many who had come expecting a simple campaign stop. Neither Masikonde nor Gachagua could continue with their speeches, and the rally ended abruptly.
The seat being contested became vacant earlier in the year following the death of MCA Lukas Kudate after a long illness.
The sudden use of teargas shocked many who had come expecting a simple campaign stop. Neither Masikonde nor Gachagua could continue with their speeches, and the rally ended abruptly.
The seat being contested became vacant earlier in the year following the death of MCA Lukas Kudate after a long illness.
The by-election has drawn national attention as different political groups fight to influence the outcome.
President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has endorsed Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the firstborn son of the late MCA.
President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has endorsed Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the firstborn son of the late MCA.
Although initially not very active in politics, Kanyinke has grown in popularity after several aspirants stepped down in his favor.
Among those who withdrew are the late MCA’s stepmother, Sarah Kudate, and Alfred Saruni, who had planned to run on a Jubilee Party ticket. They both said the young man should be allowed to complete his father’s term.
After the rally was disrupted, Gachagua released a brief message saying that intimidation would not slow down his movement. He maintained that Masikonde would win the election despite the challenges.
“This drama will not stop us,” he said.
After the rally was disrupted, Gachagua released a brief message saying that intimidation would not slow down his movement. He maintained that Masikonde would win the election despite the challenges.
“This drama will not stop us,” he said.
“If anything, it shows that those in power are getting desperate.”
