The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Teargas was fired and running battles broke out on Saturday as crowds gathered ahead of a rally by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua in Kikuyu Constituency.
Witnesses reported panic after a man was heard shouting “ongeza teargas” as security forces moved in to disperse the crowds.
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The clashes followed earlier disruptions along sections of the Southern Bypass and surrounding roads in Kiambu County, where groups allegedly blocked highways, lit bonfires using tyres, and placed trailers across roads.
Traffic was heavily affected in Thogoto and Gitaru, paralyzing movement along the Nairobi western corridor. Motorists were forced to divert or turn back as feeder roads also experienced temporary disruption.
One driver said tyres were set ablaze, making the road impassable for several hours.
Security agencies were later deployed to restore order and reopen the affected road sections.
The incidents came amid rising tension ahead of the planned rally. In a letter to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Gachagua had requested heightened security, warning of possible disruption.
He alleged there were plans to deploy groups to cause chaos, vandalise property, and provoke police response involving tear gas.
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He also claimed there were efforts to block major access roads into Kikuyu town using heavy vehicles allegedly staged as breakdowns to disrupt movement and logistics.
Authorities had not confirmed the allegations at the time of the incident.
Saturday’s chaos unfolded against this backdrop as police worked to disperse crowds and restore normal traffic flow.
