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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for calm ahead of a political meeting in Kikuyu, urging supporters to participate peacefully. Following disruptions earlier in the day, he emphasized the importance of security and order, appealing to law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for attendees. Gachagua reassured that the situation in Kikuyu has stabilized and encouraged community
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed for calm and peaceful participation ahead of a planned political meeting in Kikuyu this afternoon, citing security concerns following early morning disruptions in the area.
In a statement on Saturday, Gachagua urged supporters to remain peaceful and called on security agencies to ensure law and order is maintained, saying the meeting is intended to proceed without violence or confrontation.
“I appeal to all our supporters to attend our peaceful meeting this afternoon as the town has been secured and all is well,” he said.
He expressed concern over incidents reported in the early hours of the morning, where groups of individuals reportedly blocked roads leading to Kikuyu town, disrupted transport, and what he described as harassment of motorists.
According to the former deputy president, the incidents caused temporary panic among residents and road users before normalcy was restored.
He further appealed to the National Police Service (NPS) and Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja to ensure that police officers provide adequate security for the planned meeting.
“We are peaceful people who have held many peaceful meetings in other areas, and Kikuyu should not be an exception,” he said, urging authorities to guarantee the safety of residents, businesses, and participants attending the gathering.
Gachagua also encouraged his supporters to turn up for the meeting, noting that the situation in Kikuyu town had stabilised and security had improved.
Police had earlier moved in the morning to restore order after sections of the Southern Bypass and nearby roads in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, were blocked by unidentified groups.
Traffic was disrupted at Thogoto and Gitaru after the groups lit bonfires using tyres and placed trailers across the road, paralysing movement along the busy highway and affecting motorists travelling to and from Nairobi’s western corridor.
Witnesses reported heavy congestion and temporary disruption of traffic on feeder roads, with some motorists forced to turn back or seek alternative routes.
Security agencies were later deployed to the area and reopened the affected sections of the road.
An officer involved in the operation said the situation had been contained and traffic restored.
Political gatherings in Kenya often draw significant attention and can be sensitive, particularly in areas with a history of unrest. The Kikuyu region, known for its political activism, has seen various rallies that sometimes escalate into confrontations. Ensuring peace during such events is crucial for maintaining public order and fostering democratic engagement. Gachagua’s appeal reflects a broader concern for safety in political discourse, especially in light of recent disturbances that have raised security alarms.
