Security heightened ahead of public participation on Gachagua impeachment

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Standard, File]

Security has been beefed up in Nyeri ahead of public participation on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment motion on Friday, 4 October.

Armed anti-riot police officers are patrolling various towns, such as Othaya and Karatina, monitoring the situation while others guard the banking institutions and businesses.

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi's residence on the outskirts of Karatina Town has remained under 24-hour police guard since Tuesday night, soon after he reportedly voted in favour of Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment motion.

Mathira constituency is the backyard of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and is perceived to be a hotspot.

Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment at what they termed the betrayal of their son, who served them with commitment and dedication when he was the area MP.

Reacting to the impeachment motion, Milka Gathoni, a tomato trader at Chaka Market, wondered why President William Ruto, a God-fearing man, is acting against the will of God and man by disowning, destroying, and sacrificing his deputy, who stood with him in his time of need.

Rigathi served as Mathira MP for one term between 2013 and 2017.

The Standard team has spotted a contingent of police officers outside the Chieni Supermarket in Nyeri Town.

The chain store was broken into by rowdy youths on 25 June during the Generation Z protest and goods worth millions of shillings were stolen.

Chieni Supermarket is linked to Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina.