Super Metro denies ferrying goons to disrupt Gachagua rallies in Kirinyaga

Super Metro buses. [Courtesy]

Super Metro has denied allegations that its buses were used to ferry political goons to Kirinyaga to disrupt meetings associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the passengers were secondary school students travelling for a church-organised nature outing.

The transport company issued the clarification after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina raised concerns over the presence of Super Metro buses in the county during Gachagua’s political engagements.

“Super Metro!!! I see you have tranSported goons to Kirinyaga to wreak havoc at Riggy G’s meetings,” Maina alleged in a social media post.

She warned that people organising or facilitating the alleged movement of the group could face legal action. Maina also cautioned that the transport company could be held responsible if violence occurred during the political meetings.

The claims, however, were rejected by the AIC Ziwani Christian Youth in Action (CYA), which said the buses were carrying young people from Nairobi who were travelling to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency for a nature hike.

According to the church, the outing took place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as part of its Christian Youth in Action programme. The activity brought together secondary school boys and girls for a day of fellowship, adventure and interaction with nature.

The church said participants engaged in activities ncluding forest bathing and water-based activities and had no connection to the political events taking place in Kirinyaga.

“A special appreciation goes to Super Metro for partnering with us and providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transport for our young people,” AIC Ziwani said in a statement.

Super Metro subsequently shared the church's clarification, seeking to put the controversy to rest.

“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 company said.

The company added that the youths “had no connection to political activities” despite earlier claims that the buses were carrying people allegedly brought in to cause havoc at Gachagua’s meetings.

The company said the youths had no connection to political activities, seeking to distance itself from allegations that its buses had been hired to transport people to cause chaos at 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,” Super Metro said.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua stepping up engagements across the country.

His political meetings have attracted significant public attention, including scrutiny over attendance, rival political groups and the possibility of confrontations.

The controversy also highlights the sensitivity surrounding public transport during political events, particularly in areas where political competition is intensifying.

Allegations that groups are being transported to disrupt rallies can quickly raise fears of violence and trigger calls for investigations.

Kenya has a history of political violence linked to elections and political mobilisation, making claims involving organised groups and public gatherings particularly sensitive.

Political actors and security agencies have repeatedly stressed the need for peaceful campaigns and respect for the law as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.

In this case, however, the available explanation from the church places the passengers in a different context: a youth programme centred on fellowship and outdoor activities rather than politics.