Gachagua’s allies teargassed in Subukia
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 20, 2025Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were tear-gassed in Subukia, Nakuru, after a prolonged standoff with the police on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
This occurred after they had attended a church service at Subukia AIC and held a successful rally in Subukia town. As they were leaving, police officers were waiting just a few metres outside Subukia town, where roadblocks had been mounted.
A contingent of police manned the roadblock, forcing the politicians, led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, to step out of their vehicles and engage the officers.
The confrontation quickly drew a crowd, with members of the public eager to witness what was happening.
The politicians appeared visibly agitated as they tried to engage the police commander, drawing the attention of the public.
Despite the disturbance from the crowd, the commander could be heard stating that the group had not notified the local administration about the rally they had held in Subukia town. Nyandarua Senator, who was part of the entourage, was heard emphasising that all Kenyans have equal rights regardless of political affiliation.
Despite attempts to resolve the situation, the police refused to remove the roadblocks. After a long standoff and with the crowd growing increasingly agitated, one of the politicians’ vehicles was seen speeding off. This prompted the police to fire tear gas at the motorcade, forcing the politicians to retreat to their vehicles.
The police then started firing tear gas canisters, causing chaos as everyone scrambled for safety. With clouds of tear gas rendering the air.
Earlier on
While still in church, the politicians claimed that the church leadership had been issued with instructions not to allow them to fellowship or participate in the service. Kajiado North MP called for religious tolerance, criticising the president for interfering with worship.
He noted that while the president was attending a service at an AIC church in Machakos, efforts were being made to disrupt their service at Subukia AIC. He reminded the congregation that freedom of worship is guaranteed in the Constitution.
“Pia wewe uko kanisani AIC huko Machakos; sisi tuko hapa. Wacha AIC ya hapa isivurugwe na. wewe uko AIC kanisa pengine freedom of worship is guaranteed in the constitution.”