During a thanksgiving prayer at Ndabibi Ranch in Naivasha, Nakuru County on Sunday, April 21, Jimi Wanjigi, a former presidential contender, was tear-gassed. Wanjigi, a billionaire, had organized the protest in collaboration with local officials to support residents facing eviction from the disputed 5,000-acre property.
The gathering came to an abrupt halt as police arrived, dispersing attendees with tear gas. Following the incident, Wanjigi openly criticized President William Ruto, alleging his involvement in using intimidation tactics against the locals of Ndabibi. He called upon the police to uphold the Kenyan constitution, which ensures the right to peaceful assembly.
Unable to resolve the issue with the authorities, Wanjigi felt compelled to prematurely conclude the prayer meeting. He vehemently objected to the interruption, stating his opposition firmly.
"It is absolutely unacceptable for Ruto to evict and displace Ndabibi's residents, only to disrupt their prayers with tear gas." He stressed Kenyans' freedom to worship peacefully without encountering such severe punishment.
In March 2024, Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara asserted that President Ruto had legally acquired the land, stating that there were no legal impediments to the sale by the previous owner.
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Opposition leader Martha Karua countered Kihara's statement by highlighting the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from the eviction of thousands of long-term residents. She urged the Ruto government to handle these potential consequences with due care and attention.
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