Chaos erupted at a political rally in Nyeri County when a group of police officers was chased away by an irate crowd. The incident occurred on Wednesday during a public event organized by a local politician to drum up support for his upcoming campaign.
The rally, held in one of Nyeri’s bustling marketplaces, attracted a large crowd eager to hear the politician’s plans for development in the region. However, tension escalated when several police officers arrived, allegedly to maintain order and ensure the gathering adhered to public safety regulations.
Eyewitnesses claim the officers attempted to disrupt the rally, citing concerns over noise levels and traffic congestion caused by the event. Their intervention, however, was met with hostility from the crowd, which accused the officers of acting on instructions from rival political figures.
“We have a right to express ourselves and to attend political rallies without intimidation,” said one attendee. “The police are supposed to protect us, not to suppress our freedom.”
Chants of defiance filled the air as the crowd began pushing back against the officers, forcing them to retreat. Videos shared on social media show the officers hastily leaving the scene as the crowd jeered and waved placards denouncing what they termed as “police interference.”
Local leaders condemned the incident, with some accusing the police of overstepping their mandate. “This is a clear indication that the people are tired of being silenced,” said a county assembly representative. “Political gatherings are a constitutional right, and any attempt to disrupt them will not be tolerated.”
On the other hand, the police defended their actions, stating that their presence was purely to enforce public safety measures. “We were only there to ensure the event did not pose a risk to public order or safety,” said a Nyeri police spokesperson.
As the political season heats up, such incidents highlight the growing tension between authorities and the public. Observers have called for dialogue between stakeholders to prevent further confrontations and ensure peaceful campaigns.
The rally continued uninterrupted after the officers left, with the politician vowing to stand firm against what he termed as “intimidation tactics.”
By Kenyans