Africa-Press – Kenya. Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka claims police attempted to assassinate him after officers opened fire on an opposition convoy heading to Kikuyu.
In a statement released by the Wiper Party on April 12, one day after the dramatic turn of events in Kikuyyu Constituency, Kalonzo broke down the chain of events, alleging that the convoy carrying him, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was intercepted by armed officers at the Gitaru–Kikuyu Interchange just before entering Kikuyu town.
According to the Wiper boss, his convoy was subjected to live bullets by police officers, who were intent on quelling their meeting in Kikuyu.
“The convoy carrying Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and Eugene Wamalwa was travelling to Kikuyu when it was intercepted by armed police officers in official police vehicles at the Gitaru–Kikuyu Interchange, just before entering Kikuyu town,” stated Kalonzo.
He added, “The officers opened fire with live ammunition and deployed teargas and rubber bullets against the convoy in broad daylight.”
The confrontation split the convoy into two groups, with one proceeding toward Kikuyu while another was pushed off course toward Mai Mahiu as officers intensified their crackdown along the busy route.
Kalonzo said police pursued his group carrying him and Wamalwa along the highway, firing live rounds and lobbing teargas canisters in what he described as a sustained and deliberate operation.
“Make no mistake, this was an assassination attempt in broad daylight carried out by police officers,” Kalonzo highlighted, insisting the incident went beyond crowd control and directly endangered lives.
He added that the attack extended to media crews and vehicles accompanying the convoy, with some journalists injured and taken to the hospital as the situation spiraled into chaos.
“ The assault targeted not only the leaders but also their vehicles and attending media crews, some of who have sustained injuries and are being treated at the hospital,” stated Kalonzo.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s team proceeded to Kikuyu and held a rally despite the confrontation, drawing crowds in what is considered the political stronghold of Kimani Ichung’wah, the Member of Parliament of that constituency, and the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly.
Police later moved in to disperse the gathering, firing teargas and live bullets, sparking running battles as supporters fled while others attempted to stand their ground.
“I am a Mau Mau son; I am not intimidated,” Gachagua declared, maintaining a defiant stance even as security officers tightened control around the rally venue.
Several people were reportedly injured during the clashes, with damage also reported on vehicles, campaign materials, and nearby property as the confrontation spread across parts of the town.
The incident stems from the burial of the late Ol Kalau MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua, where Gachagua and President William Ruto first encountered each other after his impeachment on October 24, 2024, and an event where he went bare-knuckled on Ichung’wah, accusing him of sponsoring goons in Mount Kenya Region, and being a bad influence on President Ruto.
