A peaceful gathering turned into a scene of horror on Thursday when three members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders were allegedly shot dead. The incident happened in Githunguri town, where hundreds of elders had come together to hold prayers.
According to witnesses, chaos broke out when gunfire rang out inside the stadium where the prayers were supposed to take place. In the confusion, three elders lost their lives. Many others were injured, with some nursing serious wounds. Teargas was also fired, making it hard for people to breathe or see. Women and children who had gathered nearby were caught up in the panic.
Hundreds of elders are now nursing injuries and suffering from the effects of the teargas. Local clinics have been overwhelmed, and some of the wounded have been taken to hospitals in nearby towns.
The community is angry. Thousands of people have come out to condemn what happened. Many are pointing fingers at the local MP, Gathoni Wamuchomba, and President William Ruto. They claim the two leaders wanted to grab land in the area. Others say the government wanted to stop the elders from holding their prayers at Githungundi Stadium.
So far, police have not released an official statement. But residents say they want a full investigation. They are asking: why would anyone open fire on unarmed elders, women, and children?
More details are expected to come out in the next few hours. For now, Githunguri is tense, and families of the victims are mourning.