A political standoff unfolded on Sunday, July 20, 2025, along the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway when a convoy of Democracy for Citizens Party leaders was stopped by police near Subukia.
The convoy, led by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and other top party officials, had just come from attending a church service at AIC Subukia.
They were planning to continue to Subukia town for a public address, but that plan did not go through after police officers blocked the road and refused to let them proceed.
The officers had placed spikes on the road and taken positions across the highway. They argued that the rally had not been cleared and that no proper notification had been given to the authorities.
The leaders tried to reason with the police, but their efforts were ignored. Supporters who had gathered by the roadside became agitated as the situation grew tense.
After some time, police fired teargas to disperse the crowd. People who had come peacefully began to run in different directions, many of them shocked and confused.
The teargas not only ended the gathering but also caused traffic along the busy highway to come to a standstill, affecting other road users who had nothing to do with the event.
Earlier at the church service, DCP leaders had strongly criticized the government, especially on how police were being used to silence demonstrators.
Their remarks seemed to have angered those in charge of security, possibly leading to the sudden roadblock. This created the impression that the state is now actively trying to limit DCP’s ability to engage the public, especially in areas where they seem to be gaining support.
Although the rally in Subukia was disrupted, the DCP convoy later resurfaced at another public event in Nakuru.
It remains unclear how they bypassed the police roadblock, but they were seen addressing supporters in the town later that day.
This move showed the party’s resolve and determination to push forward with their agenda despite attempts to stop them.
The incident added to growing concerns over how opposition leaders are being handled by the current administration, especially when it comes to matters of free assembly and political expression.
The events in Subukia may just be a preview of what lies ahead as political temperatures rise across the country.
