Opposition Leaders Attacked in Garissa as Justin Muturi Calls Incident Attempted Assassination

GARISSA, Kenya — Opposition leaders were attacked during a political gathering in Garissa County on Saturday, September 12, in an incident former Attorney General Justin Muturi described as an attempted assassination.

Muturi condemned the attack and called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution.

“This is an attempted assassination! The attack on opposition leaders in Garissa is a grave matter that must not be taken lightly,” Muturi said in a post on X.

He urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to move swiftly and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Youths Disrupt Opposition Rally

The incident occurred as Nyali MP Mohamed Ali addressed supporters alongside Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

According to accounts of the incident, a group of about 50 youths, operating in different groups, began pelting the gathering with stones. The disruption reportedly forced opposition leaders and their supporters to seek safety inside vehicles.

Several vehicles were reportedly damaged during the confrontation, including Muturi’s vehicle, whose windscreen was said to have been partly destroyed.

The situation eventually returned to normal after the security teams attached to the opposition leaders intervened and dispersed the youths.

The rally brought together several opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe and Mohamed Ali.

Muturi Warns of Growing Political Tensions

Muturi warned that attacks targeting political leaders risk creating fear among Kenyans and deepening divisions in the country.

He said the incident should not be treated lightly, particularly as political parties and movements begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The former Attorney General, who is associated with the Wantam Movement, said the group would not be intimidated or silenced by the incident.

“We in the Wantam Movement will not be cowed, intimidated, or silenced,” Muturi said.

He pledged that the movement would continue advocating for democracy, justice and peace while defending the constitutional rights of Kenyans to participate freely in the country’s political affairs.

Opposition Leaders Call for Peaceful Politics

Mohamed Ali condemned the disruption and warned against the use of young people in political activities that could result in violence and chaos.

Kalonzo Musyoka similarly urged residents to maintain peace and resist attempts by political actors to use them to advance personal interests.

Muturi said political disagreements should instead be resolved through constitutional and democratic channels.

“If you have any opinion, our Constitution guarantees you the right to say whatever you want to say and associate with any Kenyan,” he stated.

The remarks come amid increasing political activity across the country as opposition leaders seek to strengthen grassroots networks ahead of the 2027 elections.

Opposition Expands Regional Outreach

The Garissa rally formed part of a wider regional outreach programme by opposition leaders, following visits to different parts of the country, including counties in the Coastal region and neighbouring areas.

The tours are aimed at building grassroots political networks and expanding opposition support beyond traditional political strongholds.

The Garissa incident is now expected to draw increased scrutiny over political intolerance, public security and the safety of political leaders and supporters as Kenya heads towards the 2027 election period.

Muturi has called for the authorities to establish what happened, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action.