Gachagua Accuses Police of Political Interference After Nakuru Meeting Blocked
Politics Updated: 09 February 2026 18:54 EAT
Police officers reportedly erected a barricade on the road to bar the opposition team led by Rigathi Gachagua from entering Naivasha town. Photo Credit:Rigathi Gachagua on X
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the National Police Service of political interference after his planned public meeting in Nakuru County was disrupted by police officers. The incident occurred when his entourage was blocked from entering Nakuru from Nyandarua on its way to address residents at Kinamba Trading Centre in Naivasha.
In a statement, Gachagua said the disruption contradicted assurances given by the Inspector General of Police during a meeting held on January 30, where senior national leaders were reportedly told that the police would remain apolitical and uphold constitutional freedoms, including the right to movement and peaceful assembly.
According to Gachagua, a roadblock was erected at Karati River, preventing his convoy from proceeding. He alleged that police officers, deployed in several vehicles and some with their faces masked, harassed members of the public for more than an hour before withdrawing following protests by residents who demanded the roadblock be lifted.
The former deputy president further claimed that the Nakuru and Naivasha police commands have repeatedly been used to disrupt his political engagements. He cited previous incidents in March 2025 in Mai Mahiu and Naivasha town, where police allegedly broke up meetings under the pretext of maintaining order.
Gachagua also raised concerns about alleged external influence over police operations in Nakuru County, claiming that politically connected individuals had effectively taken control of security decisions. He argued that such actions undermine the independence of the National Police Service and erode public trust.
He said junior police officers had privately expressed frustration, alleging they were being deployed for political purposes while insecurity continued to rise in parts of Naivasha sub-county. The claims, however, have not been independently verified.
The National Police Service has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The incident has renewed debate over police neutrality and the enforcement of constitutional rights as political activities intensify across the country.
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FELIX MAKONA
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