Plans by a faction of political leaders to march to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official residence in Karen have been firmly blocked by Nairobi police, setting the stage for a potential political showdown.
Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah issued a strong statement on Monday, declaring that the protest would not be allowed to go forward. This comes after a group of leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced plans to lead a demonstration demanding his reinstatement following a controversial ruling by the Court of Appeal that upheld his impeachment.
The group, under the Farmers Party banner, had written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja requesting clearance and security, insisting they were exercising their constitutional right to protest. They argue Gachagua remains the rightful deputy president, elected by the people in 2022.
Following the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the removal from office of H.E. Rigathi Gachagua as the Deputy President of Kenya by way of impeachment, we the party and members of the public will be holding a peaceful procession tomorrow to the official DP residence in Karen to reinstall Rigathi Gachagua as the DP designate, being the rightful holder of the office, their notice read in part.
But police aren’t having it. Sedah confirmed that anti-riot officers have been deployed to several strategic routes leading to Kindiki’s residence.
The planned protest at the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen will not be allowed. Anti-riot officers have been deployed along major routes to prevent any unauthorised movement, Sedah said.
With political temperatures rising and supporters refusing to back down, the government’s response suggests it is taking no chances with security around one of the country’s most guarded addresses. The push to “reinstall” Gachagua appears to be evolving from a legal battle to a full-blown street movement—one that authorities are determined to shut down before it gains momentum.
