NAKURU, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy came under attack in Nakuru County for the second consecutive day on Saturday 15, August 2026, as tensions surrounding his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and its political activities continued to escalate.
The incident occurred in Salgaa as Gachagua’s convoy travelled from Molo towards Rongai during his tour of the county.
A group of youths reportedly blocked the Salgaa-Rongai highway, disrupting the convoy’s movement and threatening to derail the former deputy president’s scheduled political engagements.
The convoy was also pelted with stones as Gachagua attempted to proceed towards Rongai.
No official confirmation was immediately available on whether anyone was injured or the extent of damage to vehicles in Saturday’s incident.
The confrontation came a day after Gachagua’s convoy was attacked in Nakuru Town West, where several vehicles were damaged after being pelted with stones. The former Deputy President subsequently accused political opponents of organising the attack.
Gachagua accuses opponents of intimidation
Speaking during engagements in Njoro, Elburgon, Molo and Rongai, Gachagua accused his political opponents of attempting to intimidate him and disrupt his political activities.
He urged residents to remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election and warned against attempts to divide communities along political or ethnic lines.
“Wakijaribu kutisha sisi, ati lazima tumfuate Ruto, ati kwa sababu jamii yetu iko kila pahali Kenya…” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader also alleged that efforts had been made to mobilise youths to prevent him from holding meetings in the area.
“Alikuwa anatafuta vijana ati wakuje wapige Rigi G, ati asifike Njoro…” he said.
Gachagua further accused the government of failing to provide adequate security for opposition political activities.
His claims come amid growing political competition in Nakuru, a key electoral battleground ahead of the 2027 polls.
Gachagua defends Uhuru Kenyatta
The former Deputy President also renewed his criticism of President William Ruto over his repeated references to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto has recently accused Uhuru of supporting and financing opposition efforts against his administration, allegations the former president has not publicly responded to.
Gachagua dismissed the continued focus on Uhuru, arguing that the government should instead be judged on its own record.
“Hakuna kitu amefanya. Sasa yeye anaruka, hataki tuongee hiyo maneno, anataka kuleta maneno ya Uhuru Kenyatta,” Gachagua said.
The latest exchange adds another layer to the increasingly bitter political contest between Ruto and Gachagua, who served together as President and Deputy President before their political relationship collapsed.
DCP truck previously attacked
Saturday’s incident follows another confrontation involving Gachagua’s party in Nakuru.
A DCP campaign truck was recently stoned and vandalised in Pembroke, Gilgil, while travelling to a political event.
Gachagua condemned that attack and accused the police of failing to provide adequate security for opposition activities.
Also Read: Gachagua accuses Kihika, Arama over Nakuru convoy attack, vows to return
The DCP’s economic adviser, Peter Mbae, described the attackers as “state-sponsored goons”.
The National Police Service rejected allegations that its officers work with criminal gangs.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said officers found collaborating with criminals would face criminal action.
Political violence becomes emerging campaign issue
The successive incidents involving Gachagua’s political activities have intensified concerns about the security of opposition rallies as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
The former deputy president has increasingly positioned the DCP as a major opposition force and has stepped up his attacks on the Ruto administration during rallies across the country.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that security agencies will deal with individuals involved in political violence regardless of their political affiliation.
With Nakuru emerging as a key battleground, the confrontation between competing political camps is likely to intensify as parties mobilise support ahead of the 2027 election.
