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Leaders of Gachagua’s party blocked from holding rallies in Nakuru
DCP leaders led by deputy party leader Cleopas Malala (centre) speak with Bahati Sub-County Oolice Commander Lilys Wachira at Kwa Kahiga area along the Nyahururu-Nakuru road on July 20, 2025 after they were blocked from holding a political rally in the area.
What you need to know:
- Heavily armed anti-riot police officers erected barricades at various points along the Nyahururu–Nakuru road.
- The DCP leaders attempted to push through the roadblocks prompting officers to lob teargas canisters at them.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies, led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, were on Sunday blocked from holding roadside rallies in Bahati and Subukia constituencies in Nakuru County.
The DCP leaders, who had attended a church service at Subukia African Inland Church (AIC), were prevented from accessing Subukia town and other key stopovers in neighbouring Bahati Constituency. When they attempted to force their way through police barricades, they were dispersed with teargas.
Anti-riot police officers barricade a section on the Nyahururu-Nakuru road at Kwa Kahiga area to block a motorcade of DCP leaders from accessing Bahati Sub-County and Nakuru City on July 20, 2025.
The DCP politicians had planned a series of roadside rallies in Subukia town and several shopping centres in Bahati including Kabazi, Bahati Centre, Maili Kumi, Ahero, Maili Sita and Heshima.
However, they were confronted by heavily armed anti-riot police officers who had erected barricades at various points along the Nyahururu–Nakuru road.
The leaders engaged in heated exchanges with the officers demanding access to the rally venues.
When police stood their ground, the leaders attempted to push through the roadblocks prompting officers to lob teargas canisters at them and the crowds that had started gathering.
Anti-riot police officers barricade a section on the Nyahururu-Nakuru road at Kwa Kahiga area to block a motorcade of DCP leaders from accessing Bahati Sub-County and Nakuru City on July 20, 2025.
Following the church service, the leaders had intended to make Subukia town the launchpad for their political activities along the highway.
Police said the leaders had not given prior notice of the public gatherings, as required by law.
The confrontation led to rising tensions with some agitated DCP supporters threatening to cause chaos. As the standoff escalated and the leaders remained defiant, police intensified their response and used more teargas to disperse both the crowds and the leaders’ convoy.
Earlier, the DCP leaders had criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration accusing it of losing touch with the electorate. They also called on the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the 2027 General Election is free, fair and credible.
“I have heard the newly constituted IEBC team say they will deliver credible elections. IEBC should not just talk but ensure key measures are implemented. Kenyans are demanding nothing short of credible elections. We want to remind the IEBC chair and team that it’s not just about words we expect to see action,” said Mr Malala.
DCP deputy leader Cleopas Malala addresses members of the public at Kabazi in Subukia Sub-County on July, 20, 2025.
DCP Secretary General for Economic Planning and Strategy Dr Peter Mbae faulted the government for arresting young people who participated in recent nationwide protests.
“We are ready to ensure Kenya is transformed. As DCP leaders, from the national level to the grassroots, we shall walk in unity until we transform this country,” said Dr Mbae.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, who was recently arrested and charged in court in Nairobi, reiterated her commitment to speak out against government wrongdoing. She urged state agencies not to be used to intimidate citizens or silence dissent.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu addresses members of the public at Kabazi in Subukia Sub-County on July 20, 2025.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said the DCP would not be cowed by intimidation or harassment from the state.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Edward Mureu (Gatanga), and former MPs Mercy Wanjiru and Maina Kamanda also attended the church service.
