Several Members of the Nakuru County Assembly (MCAs) allied to the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s alleged blackmail against businessman Samuel Mburu the spouse to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. They have accused the impeached former Deputy President of reviving divisive politics by targeting Mburu, who they say has been instrumental in supporting youth empowerment, social programs, and religious institutions across the county.

“This county is not for sale. We reject any attempts to import political chaos into our peaceful and diverse Nakuru,” said MCA Hassan Duale, who sits in UDA’s National Executive Council.

The leaders have insisted that Nakuru’s political path would not be dictated by external forces, warning Gachagua and his allies to steer clear of the county’s affairs. They have affirmed their support for President William Ruto and Governor Kihika to complete their constitutionally allowed two terms, dismissing the opposition’s recent mobilization as “a desperate attempt to revive a dead legacy.”

The remarks come following a political tension that flared in Nakuru County on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Subukia. Police officers fired teargas canisters at opposition leaders and their supporters, dispersing a highly publicized rally that was expected to drum up resistance against what the opposition terms as a “cartel-backed leadership in Nakuru.”

The fracas added fuel to an already simmering political fire in the region, with Gachagua’s perceived return to grassroots politics after his impeachment drawing both criticism and concern. Nakuru leaders now view his political moves as calculated attacks on allies of the president, a narrative they are unwilling to entertain.

“This is not the Mt. Kenya political playground. Nakuru belongs to all Kenyans. We will not tolerate anyone trying to tribalize our politics or undermine our unity,” said Nominated MCA Dorcas Gathere.

Analysts say the teargas-laced drama in Subukia and the sharp rhetoric from MCAs signal the beginning of heated succession politics, with Nakuru County once again becoming a battleground of national influence.