Business in Kakamega town was brought to a standstill on Saturday as hundreds of youths, led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, engaged police in intense running battles that lasted for hours.
The chaos erupted at around 11 a.m. following the leaders’ arrival at Amalemba estate, on the outskirts of Kakamega town. Malala and Methu received a thunderous welcome from a large crowd of youths who had gathered to accompany them into the town for a public address.
However, their plans were disrupted by a heavy police presence, with officers having already barricaded key access roads into the town. As the leaders attempted to make their way into the central business district, police moved in swiftly, dispersing the crowd and blocking the procession.
Eyewitnesses say the confrontation escalated quickly after police lobbed teargas into the crowd, with one canister reportedly landing inside Malala’s vehicle. In the confusion, a police officer deflated one of the vehicle’s tyres, forcing the DCP deputy leader to flee the scene on a motorbike.
“The situation turned chaotic so fast. Teargas was everywhere, and people were running in all directions,” said a local boda boda rider who helped ferry several fleeing youths to safety.
The standoff spiraled into a tense cat-and-mouse game, as groups of determined youths tried to dodge security forces and push their way into town. Several businesses closed their doors, with traders and residents caught in the fray fleeing for cover.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that the rally may not have received clearance from security agencies, which could explain the heavy police presence.
Meanwhile, DCP officials have condemned the police response, terming it excessive and politically motivated.
“This was meant to be a peaceful engagement with our supporters. What happened today was a clear abuse of power and an attempt to silence the voice of the people,” said Senator Methu in a brief statement to the media.
