Kenya Police Shooting at Gachagua Rally Spurs Inquiry Calls

Kenyan police fired on supporters of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on Saturday as officers broke up a rally organised by members of Parliament aligned with the Democratic Change Party (DCP). A young boda boda rider was shot and injured during the dispersal, according to local media reports, while at least one other person sustained lesser injuries. Gachagua on Sunday condemned what he termed the "targeting" of his party, saying the use of live ammunition against unarmed supporters was unacceptable and demanding an immediate investigation. Police have not yet commented publicly on the circumstances that led to the shooting or whether any arrests were made. The confrontation underscores rising political tensions ahead of planned grassroots meetings by DCP lawmakers, who accuse authorities of attempting to block their gatherings. Civil-society groups have urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to open an inquiry and to publish findings promptly to prevent further violence.