Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent political stop in Kinamba, Naivasha, accusing him of focusing on personal attacks instead of outlining a national agenda.
Speaking in response to Gachagua’s remarks and activities during the visit, the governor said a large portion of his address targeted her and her spouse rather than addressing policy issues or development priorities.
According to Kihika, the speech failed to present any meaningful proposals to the public. She argued that national leaders seeking office should prioritize clear policy direction and solutions instead of personal criticism and confrontation.
At the same time, the governor stated that Gachagua remains free to visit Nakuru County but warned against what she described as inflammatory and divisive rhetoric. She emphasized that the county’s diverse population requires responsible political conduct from leaders addressing residents.
Kihika said Nakuru welcomes leaders from across the political spectrum, but added that respect and restraint are necessary when engaging the public. She maintained that the county government would not support politics built on provocation or personal insults.
The exchange follows claims by Gachagua that the National Police Service had failed to remain neutral in political matters within Nakuru County. In a statement addressed to the police leadership earlier in the week, he alleged that law enforcement operations in the county were being improperly influenced by the governor’s spouse.
Gachagua said that during a meeting with national leaders on January 30, 2026, police authorities had assured attendees that officers would uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of movement and assembly, and would not interfere with lawful political gatherings. He argued that those assurances were not honored during his Naivasha visit.
He further claimed that officers mounted a roadblock at Karati River to block his convoy from entering Nakuru County from Nyandarua County while he was heading to Kinamba Trading Centre. According to him, the roadblock caused delays and inconvenience to members of the public before it was eventually removed after protests from residents.
The former deputy president also referenced earlier alleged disruptions of his meetings in Mai Mahiu and Naivasha town in 2025, saying some junior officers had expressed frustration about being drawn into political disputes while security challenges persisted in the area.
In her rebuttal, Governor Kihika dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and lacking factual basis. She reiterated that Nakuru is a cosmopolitan county that rejects divisive politics and maintained that security agencies operate independently under the law.
