Anthony Muthiani, one of the victims of the Violence that Rocked the Opposition Yatta Rally on April 10, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Several people are nursing injuries following alleged attacks during an opposition rally held in Yatta, Machakos County, on Friday, in an incident that has heightened political tensions in the region.
The victims, believed to be supporters of Yatta MP Robert Basil, claim they were targeted for wearing branded T-shirts bearing the legislator’s name while attending the meeting. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as groups of men armed with rungus descended on sections of the crowd, assaulting attendees and dispersing them.
Some of the injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, while others have since recorded statements with police, calling for swift investigations and action against those responsible.
Anthony Muthiani, one of the victims, said they were chased away from the rally despite being known supporters of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Magdalene Nthambi recounted how women wearing Basil-branded T-shirts were intimidated, beaten, and forced to flee. Despite the ordeal, she maintained that their political allegiance remains unchanged, emphasizing their support for leaders focused on development.
Other witnesses questioned the motive behind the attacks, noting that MP Basil was the host of the rally. Mutune Mueke expressed concern over why the legislator’s supporters were allegedly singled out, yet their intention was to welcome opposition leaders. Sharon Ndunge, another attendee, observed that voters are increasingly moving away from rigid party loyalties, instead prioritizing leadership that delivers results.
In a phone interview, MP Robert Basil defended his position, stating that elected leaders have a responsibility to work with the government of the day for the benefit of their constituents. He dismissed critics as detractors and called for the immediate arrest of those behind the violence. Basil also questioned whether he had been formally expelled from his party, insisting that the focus should remain on service delivery rather than political wrangles.
Basil, who was elected on a Wiper Democratic Movement ticket in the 2022 General Election, has recently had a strained relationship with the party. His absence from key party functions has fueled speculation about a possible shift in allegiance towards the ruling administration.
During the rally, Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua urged residents to reject leaders elected on Wiper tickets who appear to be drifting towards the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signaling deepening divisions within the opposition ranks.
The political landscape in the wider Ukambani region is undergoing notable shifts. Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, elected as an independent, has openly declared his support for the government. Similarly, Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, elected on a Wiper ticket, has aligned himself with the administration, citing the need to collaborate for development.
These developments point to a broader realignment in Machakos and Kitui counties—long considered strongholds of Kalonzo Musyoka. What initially appeared to be isolated cases of defection now suggests a potential erosion of Wiper’s influence in the region.
Analysts warn that if the trend persists, it could significantly weaken Kalonzo’s political grip while bolstering President William Ruto’s foothold in Ukambani. Such a shift may ultimately transform the region from a traditional opposition bastion into a highly contested political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
