Super Metro Clarifies Kirinyaga Bus Controversy After Claims Over Gachagua Meetings

Super Metro has dismissed claims that some of its buses transported youths to Kirinyaga to disrupt meetings associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The controversy emerged after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina alleged that buses belonging to the transport operator were carrying people allegedly mobilised to cause chaos at Gachagua’s political meetings.

“Super Metro!!! I see you have transported Kasongo’s goons to Kirinyaga to wreck havoc at Riggy G’s meetings,” Maina posted on Sunday, August 23.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, August 24, Super Metro said the passengers were secondary school students travelling for a recreational outing and had no connection to political activities.

According to the transport company, the AIC Church Ziwani Nairobi had clarified that the buses seen in Kirinyaga were carrying secondary school boys and girls who were headed to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency for a hike.

“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,” Super Metro said.

The company further rejected any suggestion that the youths had been transported to participate in political activities or disrupt Gachagua’s meetings.

“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.

Njeri Maina Warns of Legal Action

Before the clarification, Maina had warned Super Metro that it could face legal consequences if violence occurred during the political meetings.

She said organisers and facilitators of any alleged disruption would be pursued, while also warning the transport company over what she described as its role in facilitating potential violence.

“As we legally come for the local organizers and facilitators. We shall also hold you legally culpable for aiding and abetting any violence that happens at any of the meetings today,” Maina wrote.

Public Reaction

The clarification triggered criticism online, with some Kenyans accusing the lawmaker of making a serious allegation without first establishing the identity and purpose of the passengers.

Charity Njeri argued that the allegation could have exposed the passengers to danger and potentially damaged Super Metro’s reputation.

“This was so reckless of her. Imagine if supporters reacted by torching three buses or harming the occupants,” she wrote, while calling for the post to be deleted after the clarification.

Another social media user said the allegations could have serious consequences for both the passengers and Super Metro, suggesting that the company could pursue legal action over the claims.

Brian Njiru similarly called on Super Metro to consider legal action, arguing that the allegation could damage the reputation of a transport company carrying students.

The incident has since fuelled a wider debate over the risks of unverified political claims, particularly where allegations involve public transport vehicles and groups of young people.

Political Temperatures Rise in Mt Kenya

The controversy comes amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been holding meetings as he seeks to consolidate his political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The movement of groups perceived as political supporters or “goons” into areas hosting political gatherings has increasingly attracted suspicion among rival political camps, with competing allegations of planned disruptions and mobilisation emerging as political activity intensifies.

The Super Metro incident has highlighted the potential consequences of such allegations, particularly when they involve identifiable companies and members of the public who may have no connection to political events.