Gachagua Condemns Attack on Convoy in Bungoma, Vows to Continue Political Tours

 

By Sysvoline Atieno

Chwele, Bungoma County — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned a violent incident that marred his political tour in Bungoma County on Thursday, where his convoy was attacked by a group of angry youth in Chwele market.

Eyewitnesses reported that chaos erupted when the crowd began hurling stones at Gachagua’s motorcade, damaging several vehicles and forcing security officers to intervene. The unrest briefly disrupted a scheduled public meeting before police cleared the way for the convoy to proceed.

The hostile group accused Gachagua of disrespecting local leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. His recent remarks in other public rallies were reportedly viewed by some residents as dismissive of the two influential Bungoma-born leaders.

In a fiery response, Gachagua condemned the attack, vowing not to be silenced by intimidation. “Kenya belongs to all of us,” he stated. “No leader should be silenced through violence or threats. I will not be cowed.”

The opposition figure further alleged that the incident was orchestrated by elements seeking to stifle democratic freedoms. “It is unfortunate that some leaders are using the youth to fuel division and unrest,” Gachagua said. He called on the police to move swiftly and bring those behind the attack to justice.

Gachagua also directed criticism at the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of fostering an increasingly intolerant political environment. “We are witnessing a disturbing trend where opposition voices are being met with violence. This shrinking democratic space must be addressed urgently,” he warned.

Local leaders in Bungoma have also weighed in, condemning the violence and calling for calm. “We welcome every leader to Bungoma,” said a local Member of County Assembly. “Let us engage in dialogue and ideas, not stones and threats.”

Authorities have launched investigations into the incident, though no arrests had been confirmed by the time of publication.

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