A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Democracy for Citizens (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua encountered teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026, while heading to a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea.
Photos shared on X by Senator Methu showed a fleet of high-end vehicles making a U-turn after encountering white smoke billowing across the road, which completely obscured visibility. One image also captured a police van parked across the road behind a roadblock fitted with yellow spikes.
"Attacked at Sagana while heading for a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea, alongside H.E Rigathi Gachagua, EGH," Methu wrote on X.
Hours later, Gachagua confirmed that they had braved the pushback and reached their destination safely.
"Despite the heavy attack by police, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment and violent brutality, we reached the very heart of Kirinyaga county—Kagio," he said. "The people of Kirinyaga are resilient and courageous, united as one in the pursuit of change on August 10th, 2027."
Gachagua posted a photo addressing the crowd while wearing protective gear, including a helmet and bulletproof vest, highlighting the tense nature of the event.
The incident mirrors a similar scene witnessed in Nyeri on Thursday, where rival groups clashed shortly before Gachagua’s scheduled rally. In a post on X, Gachagua alleged that baton-wielding youths were hired goons sent by his political opponents to intimidate him and his allies.
The former Deputy President has been on a renewed charm offensive to popularise his presidential ambitions and the DCP party, which he intends to use to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.
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