Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has responded to allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused her husband, businessman Sam Mburu, of orchestrating efforts to block him from holding political rallies in the county.
In a lengthy Facebook post shared on Monday, Gachagua claimed that police officers in Nakuru were acting under the influence of the governor’s spouse to frustrate his political activities whenever he attempted to visit the area.
Addressing Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directly in the post, Gachagua questioned whether the National Police Service was still operating in an apolitical manner as required by law.
“I specifically alerted you that the Police Command in Nakuru County was in the hands of the spouse to the County Governor,” Gachagua wrote.
He further alleged that a roadblock had been mounted to prevent his entourage from entering Nakuru County from Nyandarua.
“Yesterday the busybody ordered the Nakuru County Commander Mr. Opuru Emmanuel to erect a roadblock at Karati River and stop my entourage from entering Nakuru County from Nyandarua County to address the public at Kinamba trading centre in Naivasha,” he added.
The former deputy president suggested that the actions were part of a broader pattern of interference aimed at restricting his political engagements within the region.
In her response, Governor Kihika strongly rejected the claims and criticized Gachagua for bringing her husband into the matter.
Posting on her own Facebook page, she dismissed the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.
Kihika accused Gachagua of being bitter and alleged that his remarks were driven by personal grievances after her husband allegedly refused to engage in dealings he had proposed.
“My spouse clearly lives rent free in your head. Is it because he refused to be blackmailed and extorted by you for a ‘protection fee’ like the way you do other Mt. Kenya businessmen?” she wrote.
She went on to make further allegations, claiming that Gachagua had previously sought business partnerships with her husband which did not materialize.
“Didn’t you call him to partner with you for importation of sugar and he declined? That you now want to come here and act brand new? Let me stop there but know you can’t intimidate us and there is a lot more where that came from,” Kihika added.
Despite the sharp exchange, the governor stated that Gachagua is welcome to visit Nakuru County, but urged him to conduct his engagements peacefully and without inciting residents.
The public spat between the two leaders comes at a time when political realignments are intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly taking positions across different regions.
The claims and counterclaims have sparked debate online, with supporters from both sides weighing in on the matter.
Kihika accused Gachagua of being bitter and alleged that his remarks were driven by personal grievances after her husband allegedly refused to engage in dealings he had proposed.
“My spouse clearly lives rent free in your head. Is it because he refused to be blackmailed and extorted by you for a ‘protection fee’ like the way you do other Mt. Kenya businessmen?” she wrote.
She went on to make further allegations, claiming that Gachagua had previously sought business partnerships with her husband which did not materialize.
“Didn’t you call him to partner with you for importation of sugar and he declined? That you now want to come here and act brand new? Let me stop there but know you can’t intimidate us and there is a lot more where that came from,” Kihika added.
Despite the sharp exchange, the governor stated that Gachagua is welcome to visit Nakuru County, but urged him to conduct his engagements peacefully and without inciting residents.
The public spat between the two leaders comes at a time when political realignments are intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly taking positions across different regions.
The claims and counterclaims have sparked debate online, with supporters from both sides weighing in on the matter.
Meanwhile, questions raised about the role of police in political activities are likely to draw further attention as the issue unfolds.