Police Clash With Rigathi Gachagua’s Allies After Rally Blocked in Nakuru County

A convoy of supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced dramatic scenes on July 20, 2025, after police blocked their route to a rally in Subukia, Nakuru County. The procession, including senior politicians such as Cleophas Malala and John Methu, was stopped near the Nakuru–Nyahururu highway where officers deployed tear‑gas canisters as the group attempted to force their way through.
According to eyewitness reports and a video shared online, police had set up spike‑laden roadblocks and armed officers at the checkpoint. The political allies claimed to be heading from a church service to address their supporters when the confrontation erupted. Cleophas Malala accused the government of orchestrating the disruption via law enforcement, saying the attempt to stop the rally demonstrated growing suppression of political gatherings under President William Ruto.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and opposition figures who say it signals dangerous interference in political processes and the use of force to stifle dissent. On the other hand, security officials defended the operation, arguing the gathering had not met required notice or public‑order conditions. Observers say the clash may raise questions about the balance between security protocols and political rights in Kenya’s increasingly tense 2027 election build‑up.
Looking ahead, political momentum in Nakuru appears to be shifting. If Gachagua’s allies persist in mobilising despite such obstacles, they could reshape local power dynamics and challenge traditional ruling‑coalition dominance. The question remains whether the authorities will allow free political assembly or continue to erect enforcement barriers—either path will influence the county’s political temperature as the polls draw closer.