Allies of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua have blasted the police over alleged brutality during their tour of Kakamega.

Led by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, the politicians had taken to Kakamega in their mission to popularise the party, which was unveiled on May 15.

Among the politicians in Malala's company were senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Kiambu (Karungo Thang'wa).

They accused the police of intercepting their peaceful procession within Kakamega town unprovoked.

Police are said to have lobbed tear gas at the crowds that moved with the leaders' convoy.

Photos shared online showed the crowds scattered as the canisters exploded behind them.

A spent cartridge was also recovered in the convoy.

Malala attributed the chaotic events to President William Ruto, accusing him of leveraging state power to trouble the opposition.

"I strongly condemn the use of brute force, live bullets, and unnecessary tear gas by our security agencies to disperse a peaceful procession merely welcoming home their leader. Kenya is a nation governed by the rule of law, and such acts have no place in a modern, democratic society. Let it be known to the Kenya Kwisha administration that no amount of intimidation or coercion will break our resolve or weaken our spirit to make Ruto a one-term president," Malala said.

Senator Thang'wa condemned the police and the state, saying the power and might displayed to them by the police should be taken to the banditry-stricken areas of the North Rift.

"Instead of sending police to deal with bandits in Elgeyo Marakwet — the home county of Security CS Murkomen — the government is deploying them to terrorise the people of Kakamega. Today, I joined Senator Malala, the newly unveiled DCP Deputy Party Leader, for his homecoming “greet the people” tour in Kakamega — and we were met with teargas. I strongly condemn this brutal and unnecessary use of force against the people and their leaders. But as always — this too shall pass," he said.

On his part, Senator Methu, who encountered a live round, blamed the president for using the state security apparatus to persecute critics.

The senator vowed to keep to the mission of unseating Ruton in 2027 despite such challenges on the way.

"The firing live bullets and lobbing teargas at unarmed citizens is not law enforcement — it is state-sponsored brutality. Kenya deserves better. We will not be silenced or intimidated. President Ruto’s one-term clock is ticking," he said.

DCP, under the leadership of Gachagua, was unveiled on May 15 to join other opposition outfits which have been finding fault in Ruto's regime.

The party is set to be Gachagua's brand as he eyes the presidency in 2027.

reported that the outfit will officially be launched on June 3 in Nairobi.

The party announced having secured the Kasarani indoor arena for the function which is believed will have over 5,000 attendees.

DCP's pioneer members form a breakaway group from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under Ruto.

Source: TUKO.co.ke