Teargas and Tension as DCP Convoy Blocked by Police on Nakuru-Nyahururu Road
There was confusion and tension on Sunday afternoon, July 20, along the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway near Subukia town after police officers blocked and fired teargas at a convoy belonging to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The convoy, led by top DCP officials including Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, was reportedly heading to Subukia town when they were stopped by a police roadblock, causing a temporary traffic jam on the busy road.
Earlier in the day, the DCP leaders had attended a church service at Subukia AIC in Nakuru County. After the service, they were scheduled to proceed to Subukia town where they planned to address locals.
However, police officers who had reportedly received information about the planned political gathering, swiftly set up roadblocks to prevent the event from taking place.
Photos and videos accessed by Newshub.co.ke show Nyandarua Senator John Methu, alongside Malala, trying to talk to the police officers manning the roadblock. The officers, who appeared well prepared for any confrontation, had placed spikes and a warning sign across the road, while dozens of uniformed personnel stood by.
Despite attempts by the leaders to negotiate, the police remained firm, stating that there had been no official communication or permission granted for a public rally.
This led to frustration among some DCP supporters who began shouting and threatening to force their way through the blockade.
Tensions quickly escalated as the convoy remained grounded and the leaders insisted on moving forward. At one point, one of the DCP-affiliated leaders could be heard criticizing the police action, saying, “This country belongs to all of us,” highlighting the growing political tension.
As the standoff grew more intense and with the situation on the brink of chaos, the police responded by firing teargas to disperse the crowd and stop any further confrontation.
Before this dramatic incident, Malala and other DCP leaders had strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza government during their earlier speech at the church service.
Malala condemned President William Ruto’s recent order directing police to shoot unruly protestors in the leg, accusing the president of showing what he called “a total lack of compassion and empathy” towards citizens exercising their rights.
Despite the roadblock and use of teargas, the DCP leaders were later seen at a public rally in Nakuru. However, it still remains unclear how they managed to bypass the heavy police presence and continue with their political program.
Meanwhile, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently on an official trip in the United States, took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud the efforts of his team. He praised them for staying active and committed to the party’s mission in his absence.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible team members, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleo Malala, for representing me wholeheartedly in the ongoing course for public participation,” Gachagua wrote.
“Even while I am away, your energy and commitment have kept the fire burning. Our movement for change is still moving full speed ahead, and the journey for liberation continues,” he added.
The events in Subukia highlight growing tensions between opposition parties and government authorities, especially when it comes to organizing public forums and political engagements.
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