Tension gripped Nairobi’s Central Business District on Monday, February 16, after police lobbed teargas at a political rally led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The gathering, which drew several United Opposition leaders and supporters, was being held near the Tea Room area when it suddenly descended into chaos.
Reports indicate that the disruption occurred as Kalonzo was introducing members of his party who had joined him for the rally.
Police Use Teargas to Break Up Gachagua-Kalonzo Gathering. Photo: Courtesy.
A video seen by Nairobileo.co.ke captured the moment the situation escalated. The footage shows that shortly after a Wiper Party aspirant finished addressing the crowd, live media coverage was abruptly interrupted.
Within minutes, thick clouds of teargas smoke filled the area, forcing rally participants to scatter in panic as police moved in to disperse the gathering.
The incident sparked confusion and fear among supporters, with many fleeing for safety as the rally came to an abrupt end.
Following the incident, Gachagua and other leaders were quickly escorted away through River Road as teargas smoke lingered in the background.
Earlier, tension had already been brewing at the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters after leaders of the United Opposition were denied entry for a scheduled meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told the press that the IG failed to appear, instead sending junior officers to receive them at the gate.
Gachagua criticized the police chief for frustrating their efforts to seek justice and accountability over the recent attack at Witima Church.
He accused Kanja of avoiding direct engagement on key security concerns and alleged that the continued delay in action was contributing to a culture of impunity.
The opposition leaders insisted they would continue pressing for answers and demanded that the police leadership address the issues affecting public safety and political gatherings.
Moverover, Kalonzo Musyoka claimed that Inspector General Douglas Kanja deliberately avoided the meeting, alleging that the move was influenced by instructions from President William Ruto.
He maintained that the IG’s absence was a calculated decision and insisted that no public official is above the Constitution or the rule of law.
Kalonzo further disclosed that the United Opposition has scheduled another meeting with Kanja on Friday, February 20, this time with the involvement of the public.
He warned that if the situation persists, opposition leaders would return accompanied by citizens, stressing that continued impunity and lawlessness can only be challenged through collective action in defence of democracy.
