Police, Rigathi Gachagua Confrontation Unfolds at Rally

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua arrives at the Milimani Law Courts on July 26, 2021.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua arrives at the Milimani Law Courts on July 26, 2021.
Twitter

Barely three days since Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was released from detention, he has found himself brushing shoulders with law enforcement officers yet again.

The lawmaker was caught up in a confrontation with police officers while addressing his supporters at Karatina Market on Thursday, June 30.

It all began when police stormed the packed venue and lobbed tear gas canisters in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

They accused the lawmaker and his team of disregarding Covid-19 containment measured issued by the Ministry of Health.

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua arraigned on July 26, 2021 at the Milimani Law Courts.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua arraigned on July 26, 2021 at the Milimani Law Courts.
Twitter

In a clip seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the politician is seen telling off police officers who told him to wrap up his event.

"Let me talk to my people. You can beat us up if you so feel like," Rigathi dared the officers who later fired teargas canisters at the crowd.

On Wednesday, July 28, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe had cautioned politicians against holding rallies amidst a surge in Covid-19 cases.

He noted that hospitals had recorded increased admissions with the most reported case being the deadly Indian variant.

Rigathi spent the weekend in police cells following his arrest on Friday, July 23, and was later charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of public property, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and conflict of interest.

Rigathi was charged alongside nine others including; William Wahome Mwangi, Anne Nduta Ruo, Julianne Jahenda Makaa, Samuel Murimi and Grace Wambui Kariuki.

Others included Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Wambui Ndigiriri, David Reuben and a company M/s Rapid Medical Supplies.

The court ordered the accused persons to appear before the court on August 3, 2021. A pre-trial was also scheduled for August 9.

Below is the video:

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