Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Sam Mburu, the husband of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, of exerting undue influence over police officers in the county.
While speaking in Boston shortly after his convoy was teargassed in Subukia, Nakuru, Gachagua claimed that several officers had secretly confided in him, saying they were receiving direct orders from Mburu.
According to Gachagua, the officers told him that Mburu acts like he holds authority over national government operations within Nakuru, while his wife, Governor Kihika, manages county matters. He further alleged that Mburu’s power comes from his close personal and business ties with President William Ruto.
“He is not an elected leader or government official, yet he commands the police as though he is the President of Nakuru. The officers told me they fear him because of his ties to Ruto. They said he threatened to have them transferred if they didn’t obey his orders,” Gachagua said.
He also claimed that Mburu boasts of sharing profits with President Ruto from the importation of various goods, including Kenya Power meters, fertilizer, duty-free sugar, and rice. Gachagua alleged this business arrangement gave Mburu the confidence to intimidate officers and manipulate local affairs.
During the incident in Subukia, Gachagua claimed police reluctantly fired tear gas at his team to give the impression of enforcing orders, even though they sympathized with his cause. “The officers told Senator John Methu that they would pretend to throw a few tear gas canisters because they understood the injustice we were facing,” he added.
Gachagua emphasized that this misuse of influence must end. “If President Ruto must do business with Mburu, then let it be purely business. He should not allow him to run the government from the shadows in Nakuru,” he said.
Following the alleged obstruction, Gachagua asked Nakuru residents to reject Governor Kihika’s re-election bid in future elections, citing abuse of power through her husband.
On Sunday, chaos erupted as police blocked the DCP convoy on the Nakuru–Nyahururu road. Tear gas was fired, disrupting the procession.
Images and videos later showed Nyandarua Senator John Methu trying to negotiate with officers, accompanied by DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala.
The tension highlights growing unease over the blending of business, politics, and power within Kenya’s local and national leadership.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
