Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has accused the government of orchestrating last Saturday’s violence in Kikuyu Constituency, claiming the unrest was part of a broader scheme to intimidate voters and suppress political opposition.
In a statement following the April 11 chaos, Muturi described the events as “carefully choreographed,” alleging that groups of goons were deployed early in the morning to destabilise the area before political leaders could engage residents.
Chaos before political rally
The violence in Kikuyu saw sections of the Southern Bypass blocked at Thogoto and Gitaru, with bonfires lit and roads barricaded, paralysing transport and stranding motorists for hours.
Reports also indicated that some drivers were attacked and vehicles damaged as suspected gangs took control of parts of the highway.
Anti-riot police later moved in, engaging in running battles with youths and using tear gas to disperse crowds in chaotic scenes that left several people injured.
The unrest occurred ahead of a planned political rally linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, adding to already heightened political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.
Muturi: ‘This was planned’
Reacting to the incident, Muturi claimed the violence was not spontaneous but part of a deliberate strategy to disrupt opposition activities.
“Before leaders could even meet wananchi, goons had already been unleashed, roaming, intimidating, creating tension, and setting the stage for chaos,” he said.
He argued that by the time opposition figures arrived, the situation had already been destabilised, leading to predictable clashes and a heavy police response that ultimately disrupted the planned engagement.
According to Muturi, the sequence of events pointed to a “full script” aimed at denying citizens their constitutional right to assemble and participate in political processes.
Claims of voter suppression tactics
The former CS further linked the Kikuyu events to what he described as a wider election strategy, warning that similar tactics could be deployed during future polls.
He alleged that goons could be used to intimidate voters in opposition strongholds, disrupt polling stations, and suppress turnout.
“We know these are the very tactics the government will deploy during elections,” Muturi said, adding that such actions would be aimed at influencing outcomes through fear and disruption.
Despite his concerns, Muturi maintained that the opposition would not be intimidated, saying efforts were underway to mobilise supporters and document alleged cases of political intimidation.
“We are organizing at every level… documenting every incident, every act of intimidation,” he said, adding that such evidence could be presented to the international community.
He expressed confidence that voters would turn out in large numbers despite the tensions, insisting that public participation would ultimately outweigh attempts at suppression.