Popular Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Sacco Super Metro has dismissed allegations that its buses were used to ferry goons to disrupt a political rally in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, August 23.
In a statement released on Monday, August 24, the company explained that the buses seen in the county were transporting secondary school students who were travelling to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency for a recreational hike.
Super Metro clarified that the students were not involved in political activities or any of the meetings taking place in the area.
"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," the statement read.
"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," it added.
The clarification came after videos showing what appeared to be young people inside several buses circulated widely on social media ahead of a political rally organised by the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Several politicians allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused Super Metro of transporting goons to the rally.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina was among those who criticised the company, warning that it would be held responsible for any violence linked to the alleged deployment.
"Super Metro!!! I see you have transported Kasongo's goons to Kirinyaga to wreak havoc at Riggy G's meetings. 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," Njeri said.
The explanation from Super Metro now indicates that the individuals captured in the videos were secondary school students travelling for recreational activities and were not connected to Gachagua's political gathering.
Gachagua held a rally in Kirinyaga on Sunday as he continued efforts to strengthen support for his DCP party across the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political rallies in Kenya, particularly those involving opposition figures, have in recent months been accompanied by allegations of violence and claims that hired or sponsored groups are transported to disrupt political events.
On August 16, a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay town descended into serious violence, leaving at least four people dead and several others injured after alleged government-sponsored goons reportedly clashed with supporters of the group.
On Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that security agencies had established a new intelligence-led framework aimed at preventing political violence by identifying and detaining sponsored goons before they reach political venues.
