Chaos erupted on Saturday afternoon in Tigania East, Meru County, along the Meru–Mikinduri highway after two political factions clashed ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s visit.
The mayhem began after a group of youths lit bonfires along the highway in an attempt to prevent Gachagua’s convoy from holding a political rally in the area.
Videos and images shared online showed young men setting tyres alight along the highway, paralysing transport on the busy road and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
As the violence escalated, another group of young Kenyans, believed to be local residents, quickly intervened and began attacking the goons.
After several minutes of chaos, the residents overpowered the goons and chased them away. They then proceeded to clear the road, paving the way for the former DP’s convoy.
During the political gathering, a lawmaker allied to the former DP accused one of the area politicians of allegedly sponsoring the goons to interfere with the opposition rally.
"We, as the people of Tigania East, have said that we will not condone violence. The signature has already been appended by the party leader, Gachagua. We have said the ticket is one term," said the lawmaker.
His sentiments were echoed by Gachagua, who openly criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating the violence by sending goons to block the road.
Gachagua also hit out at Tigania East Member of Parliament, Mpuru Aburi, claiming he was allegedly being used by the state to mobilise goons against opposition politicians.
"I am the one who brought the president here, and he later chased me out of the government. He also sent away Linturi and Justin Muturi; he now wants to phase me out of here again. Do you accept this? Gachagua questioned.
"I heard your MP claiming that I cannot come to Mikinduri. Have I not arrived in Mikinduri? I am here and I have come here to listen to your plights," he added.
Gachagua's political rally in Meru coincided with the Head of State's visit to the region, where he held a similar gathering in Meru town. During his rally, President Ruto hit out at his former deputy, accusing him of attempting to divide Kenyans.
