Nyandarua Senator John Methu has accused the police of using live bullets and teargas to disperse him and other allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Murang’a County on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Senator Methu was attending a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo Constituency, along with other leaders allied to Gachagua. After the service, the group planned to hold several public rallies in the county. However, they were met with a police blockade along a key road in the area.

In video footage seen online, Methu and other leaders can be seen engaging with a senior police officer, asking to be allowed to pass.

The situation quickly escalated when a teargas canister was thrown at Methu during the exchange, forcing him and his colleagues to flee on foot. The senator later claimed that live ammunition had been fired at his vehicle.

“Police officers who appeared to be under very clear instructions have attacked us at Ngonda, Kigumo Constituency and used live ammunition on my vehicle, forcing us to escape by foot,” said Methu. “Listen Mr. William Samoei Ruto, no amount of violence and police brutality shall change our WanTam resolve.”

Second incident raises tensions

Photos taken after the incident show a damaged vehicle from Methu’s convoy, reportedly hit during the chaos. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that hired goons may have been involved in the attacks, further raising tension.

A statement from Gachagua’s team stated that both police and the goons coordinated the ambush.

“The police, jointly with goons, blocked the leader’s convoy and started throwing teargas and live bullets. They dispersed the crowds and harassed the leaders, saying they were not allowed to hold a meeting in the area,” the statement read.

This is the second weekend in a row that Methu has claimed harassment from the police. A week earlier, officers blocked a similar rally on the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway as Gachagua’s allies planned to hold a public meeting in Subukia.

The incidents come amid growing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, with some leaders openly criticising the government’s handling of internal dissent.