Opposition claims assassination plot after convoy attack in Kikuyu
By Mustafa Juma, April 11, 2026Opposition leaders have claimed an assassination attempt after their convoy was on Saturday, April 11, 2026, attacked by police officers at the Gitaru–Kikuyu Interchange while en route to a political rally in Kikuyu.
The convoy was carrying Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Party leader Eugene Wamalwa at the time of the incident.
Gunfire and teargas
According to a statement issued by Kalonzo’s head of communications, Paloma Gatabaki, on the night of Saturday, April 11, 2026, the convoy was intercepted by armed police officers in official vehicles just before entering Kikuyu town.
She claimed officers opened fire using live ammunition and deployed teargas and rubber bullets in what she described as a “deliberate and sustained” attack.
“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,” Gatabaki stated.
“The officers opened fire with live ammunition and deployed teargas and rubber bullets against the convoy in broad daylight.”
Convoy split
The confrontation reportedly forced the convoy to split into two groups. One group continued towards Kikuyu town, while the other was diverted toward Mai Mahiu.
Gatabaki further claimed that police vehicles pursued the group carrying Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa along the highway, continuing to fire shots and lob teargas canisters during the chase.
“The attack forced the convoy to split into two groups. One group continued toward Kikuyu, while the second was pushed off its route toward Mai Mahiu,” she stated.
“Police vehicles actively pursued the group carrying Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa along the highway, firing live rounds and lobbing teargas canisters at them throughout the chase. The pursuit was sustained and deliberate.”
Chaos at Kikuyu rally
The group led by Gachagua is said to have proceeded to Kikuyu, where a rally was held despite the earlier confrontation.
However, opposition leaders claim police later followed them to the venue and disrupted the gathering using force, including live bullets and teargas.
The statement also claimed that individuals described as “hired goons” were deployed to attack attendees, with vehicles damaged and several journalists reportedly injured during the chaos.
“Rigathi Gachagua’s group proceeded to Kikuyu, where a rally was held. Police followed and attacked the mammoth gathering, firing live bullets, deploying teargas, and directing hired goons against those present. 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,” the statement reads.
Assassination attempt claim
Gatabaki termed the incident an “assassination attempt in broad daylight”, accusing state agencies of targeting opposition leaders.
“Make no mistake, this was an assassination attempt carried out by police officers,” she said.
The claims are likely to heighten political tensions as the country heads toward a heated electoral period.