City lawyer Wahome Thuku has shared a striking account from his days as a journalist, recalling how political rallies in Kiambu in the late 1990s were sometimes staged for dramatic effect.
His reflection comes in light of last Sunday’s chaotic scenes at Witima Church, where former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua was tear-gassed, sparking allegations that the attack may have been staged to gain public sympathy.
Thuku recounted being assigned to cover an opposition rally in Limuru around 1997 or 1998, alongside photographer Paul Waweru.
The misty Sunday saw speeches from all Kiambu MPs at the time, including David Mwenje, criticizing President Moi. Heavily armed police watched from a distance of about 300 meters, prepared to act but initially non-interfering.
As the rally neared its conclusion, Thuku revealed that the organizers wanted a more newsworthy ending. Mwenje allegedly suggested that tear gas be deployed—either by provoking the police or arranging a dramatic confrontation—to create a visual spectacle for the media.
Within minutes, riot police moved in, dispersing crowds into surrounding farms, with tear gas drifting even into nearby shops.
Thuku described the media and MPs fleeing to a nearby hotel owned by Njenga Karume, where statements condemning the police action were issued. Some MPs reportedly “injured” themselves in the chaos.
After covering the drama, Thuku admitted they returned to newsrooms to write the story before heading back to Kenyatta University for a chicken meal.
The recollection shows the intricate relationship between politics and media in Kenya’s history, highlighting how staged drama was sometimes used to capture attention.
It also casts a new light on debates around the Witima Church incident, where public speculation continues over whether the tear-gassing of Gachagua was genuine or orchestrated for political advantage.