NAKURU, Kenya — Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Naivasha MP Samuel Arama of organising an attack on his convoy, vowing to intensify his political activities in the county despite the incident.
Gachagua made the allegations on Saturday while opening a DCP office in Nakuru Town East, a day after his convoy was attacked during his political tour of the county.
The convoy was reportedly pelted with stones at Kaptembwa in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with photographs from the scene showing several vehicles with shattered windscreens and windows.
Gachagua said the attackers also used axes and other crude weapons and accused police officers of watching as the violence unfolded.
He alleged that Kihika, her husband and Arama organised and financed the attack, claiming they did so under the direction of President William Ruto.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the individuals named by Gachagua had not, in the account provided, publicly responded to the claims.
Gachagua accuses Arama of being ‘mole’
Gachagua also turned his criticism on Arama, accusing the Naivasha MP of being a political “mole” working for Ruto.
He questioned Arama’s political association with the Jubilee Party, as opposition leaders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s allegations came a day after the reported attack, which has added to growing political tensions in Nakuru as parties and politicians seek to consolidate support ahead of the next election.
The former deputy president has increasingly positioned the DCP as part of the opposition movement challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua vows to ‘camp’ in Nakuru
Rather than scale back his political activities following the incident, Gachagua said he would increase his presence in the county.
“I will be camping in Nakuru to ensure I get votes here,” he said.
Nakuru is a significant electoral battleground, making the county an important target for political parties seeking to build support ahead of the 2027 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Gachagua’s decision to intensify his activities in the county signals his determination to turn the reported confrontation into a wider political mobilisation campaign.
Former allies face off in Nakuru
Gachagua also criticised Governor Kihika and vowed to campaign against her ahead of the 2027 election.
Kihika was elected Nakuru governor in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
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Gachagua claimed he played a significant role in helping Kihika secure the governorship in the 2022 election, but said he would now work to ensure she loses the seat in 2027.
The accusations mark a sharp escalation in the political rivalry between Gachagua and leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua’s camp has maintained that Friday’s attack was part of efforts to disrupt opposition mobilisation, while government officials have repeatedly said security agencies will take action against individuals involved in political violence.
Attack adds to political tensions
The reported attack on Gachagua’s convoy has intensified concerns over political violence as Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s allegations against Kihika, Arama and Ruto are serious but remain claims by the DCP leader pending independent investigation or confirmation by authorities.
The incident is therefore likely to become another flashpoint in the increasingly confrontational political environment, particularly in Nakuru, where competing parties are seeking to strengthen their electoral bases.
Gachagua’s vow to return to the county, despite the attack, suggests that Nakuru will remain a major focus of his political mobilisation in the run-up to 2027.
