Gachagua’s Convoy Attacked by Goons in Bungoma Amid Tense Opposition Tour
Chaos broke out on Friday, July 4, after a group of suspected goons reportedly attacked a convoy carrying top opposition leaders shortly after they held a political rally in Bungoma County.
The convoy, which included prominent figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, was ambushed in Chwele town as they were heading towards Kitale.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who was present during the incident, stated that their convoy was violently intercepted. He revealed that the group was attacked with stones and forced to speed away from the scene in search of safety.
“We are under heavy attack from government-sponsored goons. These attackers are even shooting at our convoy. We were simply on our way to Kitale when the ambush happened,” Njiru stated.
Several videos widely circulated on social media and seen by Newshub.co.ke showed a large crowd hurling stones at the leaders’ vehicles. Some of the assailants were carrying clubs and aggressively chased after the opposition leaders’ convoy, creating a scene of total disorder.
Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba described the violent attack, alleging that some of the attackers were carrying knives. She also claimed that the police were cooperating with the goons instead of stopping them, accusing them of helping to disperse the crowd.
“The police are clearly working hand in hand with these goons. They’re not even trying to stop them. This is the same plan they want to implement during the upcoming Saba Saba protests. The goons are even being handed weapons,” Orwoba claimed.
According to Orwoba, one of the leaders was seriously injured during the chaos and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
“One of our leaders was brutally attacked by the goons, who appeared to be a militia group. He sustained a deep cut on his head and several injuries on his body.
He had lost a lot of blood, and we had to evacuate him quickly to get medical attention. It’s now very clear that the authorities who should be protecting the public are instead arming gangs to harm those with opposing views,” she added.
The opposition leaders were in the Western region as part of a multi-county tour aimed at mobilizing support and discussing pressing political issues. Key among these issues are the ongoing Gen Z-led protests and accusations that state power is being abused to silence dissent.
Despite the dangerous confrontation and damage to their convoy, the opposition leaders did not cancel their mission. They managed to make it to Kitale, where they carried on with their planned engagements and continued speaking to residents.
Speaking later in Bungoma, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized the region’s readiness for positive change. He expressed confidence in the people’s power to demand better governance.
“Bungoma is setting an example in making bold decisions and shaping the future of leadership. The people here have made it clear that true power lies with them. It must always be used based on their collective will,” Gachagua said.
The attack has raised more concerns over political tolerance and growing fears about the state’s alleged role in fueling violence against opposition voices.
As the opposition continues with its countrywide engagements, the question of security and freedom of assembly remains at the center of national debate.
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