Teargas and Chaos as President Ruto’s Dagoretti Tour Faces Youth Blockades

President William Ruto’s tour of Dagoretti South and Dagoretti North on March 3, 2026, was marked by commotion and the use of teargas after a group of youth partially blocked his motorcade during a roadside rally.

The visit, aimed at inspecting development projects, included stops at Mutuini Hospital, the new workshop block at PC Kinyanjui TTI, ongoing works at Riruta Modern Market, and the inauguration of a tuition block at Kawangware Primary School.

Despite the disruptions, President Ruto reaffirmed the UDA-ODM pre-election pact, dismissing opposition from the Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM and criticising the United Opposition for fuelling ethnic divisions for political gain.

Moments of tension arose when the presidential convoy struggled to maintain momentum amid crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the motorcade, prompting the security team to push back.

Ruto highlighted national development projects, including the construction of a new international airport, which he described as the beginning of Kenya’s “Singapore dream.” He stated:

"Tumetangaza leo kwamba ujenzi wa uwanja mpya wa ndege unaanza kabla ya mwezi wa sita."

Support for the UDA-ODM collaboration was voiced by several MPs:

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi: “Na sisi tukiwa ODM tumesema kwamba tutaendelea kushirikiana na rais.”

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie: “Sisi tutaendelea kukuunga mkono rais maana unasema na kutenda.”

Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang: “Na sisi kama ODM kupitia Parliamentary Group tumepitisha kwamba tutazungumza na UDA ili tuendeleze ushirikiano.”

Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor: “Wakenya wanataka umoja na ustawi na sisi tutaendelea kuleta Wakenya pamoja.”

Governor Johnson Sakaja joined Ruto in defending the cooperation, noting that collaboration between the national and county governments is aimed at improving service delivery in Nairobi. 

Ruto added that KSh 80 billion has been allocated to tackle challenges such as waste management and water shortages.

The tour underscored the administration’s commitment to development while navigating political tensions and public dissent in the capital.