A Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu ended abruptly on Sunday after chaos erupted when suspected goons allegedly attacked opposition leaders, leaving Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s driver nursing a gunshot wound.
Governor Kang’ata said his driver, identified as Gitari, was shot in the chest during the violence that disrupted the political gathering, forcing leaders and supporters to flee for safety.
“My driver Gitari has been shot in Nyahururu during the Linda Mwananchi rally,” Kang’ata said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.
The governor linked the latest incident to what he described as a growing trend of violence targeting the movement’s public meetings, recalling that their rally in Keumbu, Kisii, last week was also disrupted after stones were hurled at leaders and supporters.
According to Kang’ata, the attack in Nyahururu brought the rally to a premature end as leaders were forced to run for safety amid the unfolding chaos.
Videos circulating on social media showed confusion at the venue, with crowds scattering as loud commotion broke out. However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of those behind the attack had not been officially established by the time of publication.
Police had not immediately released a statement on the incident, including whether any arrests had been made or investigations launched.
The latest violence comes amid heightened political activity across the country as the Linda Mwananchi movement intensifies its nationwide rallies ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement, which recently received the backing of Governor Kang’ata after his exit from UDA, has been positioning itself as a platform championing governance reforms and accountability.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly condemned attacks on their public meetings, calling on security agencies to guarantee the safety of all political players regardless of affiliation.
The condition of Gitari was not immediately disclosed, although Kang’ata said he had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
