Chaos in Nyahururu as Linda Mwananchi Rally Descends Into Violence, Governor Kang’ata Claims Driver Shot
A political rally organised by the Linda Mwananchi movement in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, descended into chaos on Sunday, July 12, after a group of suspected goons allegedly stormed the venue, forcing opposition leaders and hundreds of supporters to flee for safety.
Among the leaders caught up in the dramatic scenes were Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Linda Mwananchi spokesperson and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who were all forced to abandon the event as panic spread through the crowd.
Videos circulating online and seen by People Daily Digital captured frantic scenes of supporters running in different directions after the meeting was disrupted. The footage showed confusion engulfing the venue as the gathering abruptly came to an end amid fears for the safety of those present.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Governor Kang’ata claimed the violence had left his driver with gunshot injuries.
“My driver Gitari has been shot during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu,” Kang’ata said.
The governor further linked the incident to what he described as a pattern of violence targeting opposition activities, recalling an earlier confrontation in Keumbu.
“Last week in Keumbu, stones were rained on us,” he added.
By Sunday evening, authorities had not officially confirmed the reported shooting or disclosed the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police had also not announced any arrests or identified those responsible for disrupting the rally.
The incident is likely to heighten political tensions as campaigns and public mobilisation activities continue across different parts of the country, with opposition leaders increasingly raising concerns over security at their public events.
Investigations into the violence are expected to establish who was behind the disruption and whether the reported shooting was directly connected to the rally.
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