Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed criticism of the National Police Service for alleged political interference and failing to honor recent commitments. He accused Inspector General Douglas Kanja of reneging on assurances given last week to remain apolitical and respect assembly rights. Gachagua claimed the promises were short-lived as police blocked his entry into Nakuru County.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, issued a statement on Monday, February 9, 2026, accusing Inspector General Douglas Kanja of political interference. He recalled Kanja's assurances from last week that under his leadership, the police would not disrupt public meetings or prevent leaders from engaging with the public. “You gave us an assurance that the service will respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of movement and assembly,” Gachagua stated.
According to Gachagua, the police command in Nakuru County has been compromised and is influenced by individuals with political ties, including the spouse of the county governor. He claimed the IG had “surrendered the command of the police to political operatives and goons.” On Sunday, Gachagua was with other opposition leaders at Good Shepherd Parish Catholic Church in Njabini, Nyandarua County. The group planned to proceed to interact with locals in various areas, including Nakuru County.
After the service, reports emerged of a heavy police presence at Karati River, where opposition leaders claimed a roadblock was set up to prevent Gachagua from entering Kinamba, Naivasha. The Nakuru County Commander allegedly blocked Gachagua's entourage from accessing the county, with officers in four Land Cruisers, under the Naivasha OCPD, erecting the barrier and intimidating the public for over an hour. The police withdrew only after “hundreds of agitated members of the public” confronted them and demanded passage for the motorcade.
Gachagua accused Naivasha police of repeatedly disrupting his political meetings, referencing a March 2025 incident where officers allegedly attacked his team in Mai Mahiu and Naivasha town. This episode highlights growing tensions between opposition figures and law enforcement.