Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, calling for her removal from office and accusing her of abandoning the interests of county residents.
Speaking during a public rally in Nakuru on Friday, August 14, 2026, Gachagua accused Kihika of aligning herself with President William Ruto's administration at the expense of the people who elected her.
“Huyu Governor wa Nakuru ni msaliti wa watu wa Nakuru na jamii yetu,” Gachagua told supporters.
The former deputy president also made allegations concerning the management of county businesses, claiming that Kihika and her husband had taken control of key commercial opportunities in Nakuru.
Gachagua further alleged that the historic War Memorial Hospital had been improperly acquired, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
“Pale War Memorial Hospital ilijengwa na mzungu mweupe, huyu bwana ya Susan Kihika na Kihika mwenyewe wamenyakua hiyo hospitali,” he said.
He also accused the governor of excluding local traders from county business opportunities, claiming that businesses within the county were being controlled by her husband.
“Biashara yote ya county ya Nakuru amenyima watu wa Nakuru. Biashara zote za Nakuru county inafanywa na bwana ya Susan Kihika,” Gachagua alleged.
The former deputy president linked Kihika's political fortunes to President Ruto, accusing the governor and her allies of working closely with the Head of State.
“Huyu Susan Kihika ni mtu wa kasongo. Wanakula na kasongo. Wanafanya biashara na kasongo,” he said.
Gachagua used the rally to promote his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), urging Nakuru residents to support a new governor aligned with the party in the 2027 General Election.
“Na kwa hivyo ndio hii Nakuru yetu isimame, lazima tutafute governor mpya wa chama chetu cha DCP ambaye atasaidia watu wa Nakuru,” he said.
The former deputy president then asked the crowd whether Kihika should remain in office, prompting supporters to respond with chants calling for her departure.
The remarks mark a further escalation in the political confrontation between Gachagua and leaders allied to President Ruto as the DCP seeks to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kihika, a senior United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leader and ally of President Ruto, had not publicly responded to Gachagua's allegations at the time of publication.
