Gachagua’s military-style helmet steals the show in tense Narok rally

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Narok Town campaigning for his party’s candidate, Douglas Masikonde/HANDOUT

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua stirred excitement and confusion when he arrived for a campaign rally in Narok Town Ward wearing a military-style helmet.

Gachagua, who was drumming up support for his party’s candidate, Douglas Masikonde, immediately drew attention from residents and online users, many of whom questioned whether the unusual gear was part of a new political strategy or a safety precaution in a heated election period.

“That’s a military-grade bulletproof helmet… he’s even donning a bulletproof vest inside the shirt,” one social media user claimed, while another quipped, “A whole system being driven crazy by a man they said his impeachment would be inconsequential.”

The helmet may have served its purpose moments later when chaos erupted during the rally.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Narok Town campaigning for his party’s candidate, Douglas Masikonde/HANDOUT

The incident occurred on the final day of campaigns ahead of the fiercely contested Narok Town Ward by-election scheduled for November 27. 

Earlier in the day, a heavy police presence had been observed across Narok town, with officers mounting a major roadblock on the main highway leading into the town.

Despite the blockade, Gachagua managed to find his way in. But barely five minutes into his address—as crowds chanted anti-government slogans — police fired teargas, sending supporters scattering.

A canister was thrown toward Gachagua’s convoy, forcing him and his team to flee the scene.

After the chaos, Gachagua took to his social media pages, alleging a deliberate attempt by authorities to prevent him from accessing the town. 

“The people, a people united, are stronger than all roadblocks, than all bullets, than all stones, than all teargas you have in store, and than any dictator in the world,” he wrote.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Narok Town campaigning for his party’s candidate, Douglas Masikonde/HANDOUT

He credited local residents with helping him bypass police barriers, saying villagers guided him through narrow, unfamiliar footpaths that security officers could not monitor.

“Being a villager, I engaged my fellow villagers in Narok who guided me through village paths…and made a triumphant entry into Narok town, received by thousands of jubilant DCP supporters,” he stated, later adding, “How can you beat me in my game?”

Gachagua also applauded residents—particularly the youth — for remaining resilient despite the confrontation. “The will of the people shall never be subverted at any given moment,” he said.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Narok Town campaigning for his party’s candidate, Douglas Masikonde/HANDOUT

The by-election, triggered by the death of MCA Lukas Kudate in February, has emerged as a high-stakes test of political strength.

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fielded Robert Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the late MCA’s son.

Masikonde has become the focal point of the party’s campaign under Gachagua’s influence.

Meanwhile, Jubilee’s Joshua Kaputa is banking on the party’s traditional networks, positioning himself as a steady and familiar choice for voters.