CBRN event in Kenya on Fri 9th January 2026

A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening as the two leaders were heading to a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea. Photos posted on X by the senator showed a fleet of high-end vehicles making a U-turn after encountering white smoke billowing across the road, completely obscuring visibility. "Attacked at Sagana while heading for a public engagement in Kagio, Mwea, alongside H.E Rigathi Gachagua, EGH," Methu posted on X. One of the images showed a police van parked across the road behind a roadblock fitted with yellow spikes.A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. /JOHN METHU In a subsequent tweet hours later, Gachagua said they braved the pushback and reached their destination in one piece. "Despite the heavy attack, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment and violent brutality, we reached the very heart of Kirinyaga county—Kagio," he said. "The people of Kirinyaga are resilient and courageous, united as one in the pursuit of change on August 10th, 2027." Gachagua posted a photo addressing the crowd while donning protective gear, including a helmet and bullet proof vest.Gachagua addressing the crowd at Kagio in Mwea while donning protective gear, including a helmet and bullet proof vest. The incident mirrored a similar scene witnessed in Nyeri on Thursday ahead of Gachagua’s arrival for a public rally, where rival groups clashed shortly before the former deputy president’s scheduled appearance. In a post on his X account, Gachagua claimed that the baton-wielding youths were hired goons sent by his opponents to intimidate him and his allies. Gachagua has been on a renewed charm offensive to popularise his presidential ambition and Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party, which he says he intends to use to unseat President William Ruto at the 2027 general elections.