"Spotted in Kirinyaga": Super Metro addresses ferrying goons to Gachagua rally
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Super Metro has denied claims that its buses transported goons to disrupt Rigathi Gachagua's political rally in Kirinyaga
- The Sacco said the buses were carrying secondary school students from Nairobi who were travelling to Kathandeni Forest for a hike
- The clarification came after political leaders accused the company of facilitating potential violence at Gachagua's meeting
Popular public service vehicle (PSV) Sacco Super Metro has dismissed claims that its buses were used to transport goons to disrupt former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's political rally in Kirinyaga County.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, the transport company said the buses seen in the county on Sunday, August 23, were instead carrying secondary school students travelling for a recreational hike.
Super Metro explained that the students were from AIC Church Ziwani in Nairobi and were headed to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency.
"The AIC Church Ziwani Nairobi has clarified that the buses spotted in Kirinyaga were carrying secondary school boys and girls who were heading for a hike at Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency," the company said.
It added that the students had no links to political activities or the meetings taking place in the area.
"The youths had no connection to political activities amid earlier claims that the buses were carrying people brought in to cause havoc at Rigathi Gachagua's meetings," the statement added.
Viral videos trigger accusations
The clarification came after videos showing people inside several Super Metro buses circulated widely on social media.
The buses were spotted in Kirinyaga ahead of a political gathering organised by Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), prompting accusations from some politicians allied to the former deputy president.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina was among those who raised concerns over the buses, warning that Super Metro could be held responsible for any violence linked to the alleged transportation of goons.
"Super Metro!!! I see you have transported Kasongo's goons to Kirinyaga to wreak havoc at Riggy G's meetings," Maina said.
She further warned that the company could face legal consequences if violence occurred at the political meetings.
However, the explanation from Super Metro indicates that the people captured in the viral videos were secondary school students travelling for recreational activities rather than individuals heading to disrupt Gachagua's rally.
Gachagua steps up Mount Kenya mobilisation
Gachagua held a political rally in Kirinyaga on Sunday as he continued his efforts to build support for the DCP in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The incident came amid heightened concerns over violence at political gatherings in different parts of the country.
On August 16, a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay town descended into violence, leaving at least four people dead and several others injured after alleged clashes involving groups linked to the political gathering.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.