Tensions between opposition leaders and the police have once again come into focus following fresh claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he describes as political interference within the National Police Service. The former DP says recent events show a clear gap between assurances given by the police leadership and actions on the ground.
In a statement released on Monday, February 9, 2026, Gachagua directly accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of failing to keep commitments he had made to opposition leaders just a week earlier.
According to Gachagua, the IG had assured the United Opposition that the police would stay neutral in politics, respect freedom of assembly, and allow leaders to meet the public without interference. He now claims those promises were not honored.
Gachagua, who is also the Democracy for Citizens Party leader, said the Inspector General had been clear in his assurances.
“You gave us an assurance that the service will respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of movement and assembly,” Gachagua recalled, before insisting that what followed showed a complete reversal of that position.
He argued that the police were once again being used to block political activities linked to the opposition.
The former DP singled out Nakuru County as a major concern, claiming that the police command there had been compromised. He alleged that individuals with close political ties had undue influence over police operations in the county.
“I specifically alerted you that the police command in Nakuru County was in the hands of the spouse of the county governor,” he said, adding that the Inspector General had “surrendered the command of the police to political operatives and goons.”
These claims followed events on Sunday when Gachagua attended a church service at Good Shepherd Parish Catholic Church in Njabini, Nyandarua County, alongside other opposition leaders.
After the service, the group was expected to travel to several areas, including parts of Nakuru County, to engage with residents.
However, reports soon emerged of a heavy police presence at Karati River. Opposition leaders claimed the roadblock was meant to stop Gachagua from proceeding to Kinamba in Naivasha.
Gachagua later stated that the Nakuru County Commander had blocked his entourage from entering the county, where he was scheduled to address residents at Kinamba Trading Centre.
“Officers in four Land Cruisers, under the command of Naivasha OCPD, erected a roadblock at Karati River and intimidate members of the public for over an hour,” Gachagua alleged. He claimed the officers only withdrew after “hundreds of agitated members of the public” confronted them and demanded that his motorcade be allowed to pass.
The former Deputy President also linked the incident to earlier disruptions, accusing Naivasha police of repeatedly interfering with his meetings. He pointed to a March 2025 incident in which officers allegedly attacked his team in Mai Mahiu and Naivasha town.
Gachagua’s statement paints a picture of growing mistrust between opposition leaders and the police, raising renewed questions about political neutrality, command control, and respect for constitutional rights as the country’s political temperature continues to rise.
