NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the conduct of police in Nakuru County, accusing the local command of interfering with his political engagements.
This was after police officers blocked a road leading to Naivasha on Sunday to restrain Gachagua and other opposition leaders from holding rallies in Nakuru County.
In a statement, Gachagua said that during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police on January 30, 2026, the IG assured national leaders that the National Police Service (NPS) is apolitical and would respect constitutional guarantees for freedom of movement and assembly.
The IG reportedly committed that under his command, the police would not disrupt public meetings or prevent leaders from addressing constituents.
Gachagua claims that despite these assurances, police officers in Nakuru County on Sunday set up a roadblock at Karati River to prevent his entourage from accessing Kinamba Trading Center in Naivasha.
Bwana IG when we called on you on Friday 30th January 2026 with other National leaders before your two deputies and other senior officers you gave us several commitments.Among them was a clarification that the National Police Service is apolitical and would not meddle in
He said the officers, operating in four police vehicles, masked their identities and reportedly interacted with members of the public for over an hour before withdrawing after local residents demanded access.
The DCP leader further highlighted past incidents in Naivasha and Mai Mahiu, where police reportedly disrupted his engagements, and said junior officers have expressed concerns about being used for political purposes.
Gachagua called on the IG to clarify the police command structure in Nakuru County and provide assurances that the service operates independently of political influence.