Gikaria Files Police Complaint Against Gachagua, Gives Former DP 72 Hours to Apologise
Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has escalated his war of words with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after filing a police complaint over remarks he says linked him to deaths and violence during the controversial Ol Kalou by-election.
Gikaria recorded a statement at Nakuru Central Police Station on Saturday, accusing Gachagua, the leader of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), of making allegations that portrayed him as responsible for deaths witnessed during the election period.
The MP said he had reported what he described as a criminal cybercrime matter, arguing that the remarks had damaged his reputation and affected his business interests.
“I am here at the Nakuru Police Station, and I have come to report a criminal cybercrime in line with our laws. I have been affected by the remarks made by Gachagua that I am a killer carrying people’s blood,” Gikaria said.
The complaint marks a significant escalation in the political confrontation between the two leaders, which has intensified following the disputed Ol Kalou by-election.
Gikaria gives Gachagua 72 hours
Gikaria has also issued a formal demand through his lawyers, giving Gachagua 72 hours to retract the alleged remarks and issue an apology.
The MP warned that failure to comply would result in legal action, with his lawyers expected to begin defamation proceedings after the deadline.
“My lawyers have advised me to make a demand, which we have, and specifically indicated some conditions that we would want Gachagua to meet or risk going through the civil suit,” he said.
Gikaria said he wanted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the allegations, maintaining that the claims went beyond ordinary political criticism and had potentially criminal implications.
Ol Kalou election dispute at centre of row
The latest confrontation stems from events surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election, where Gachagua accused Gikaria of involvement in violence witnessed during the campaign and polling period.
Gachagua also made allegations concerning bribery, claims that Gikaria has rejected.
The dispute has continued weeks after the by-election, with the accusations now spilling into the courts and police investigations as both political camps trade increasingly serious allegations.
Gikaria maintains that the accusations have harmed his reputation and businesses and says he is prepared to pursue the matter through the legal system.
Fresh tensions after Gachagua convoy attack
The latest dispute comes against the backdrop of renewed political tensions in Nakuru after Gachagua’s convoy was attacked during his visit to the county on Friday.
On Saturday, Gachagua accused Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Naivasha MP Samuel Arama of being behind the incident. The allegations have not been established as fact, and the leaders named have not been shown to have accepted responsibility for the attack.
Gachagua, however, insisted that the incident would not prevent him from returning to Nakuru.
The former Deputy President said he would continue visiting the county despite the confrontation, signalling that the political battle in the region is unlikely to ease.
Gikaria warns Gachagua over rule of law
Gikaria, meanwhile, warned Gachagua against conducting himself as though he were above the law, urging the former Deputy President to respect Kenya’s Constitution and legal institutions.
The Nakuru MP said local leaders had no objection to Gachagua visiting the county but claimed that tensions arise when political visits are accompanied by accusations or attacks against local leaders.
Gikaria reiterated that Gachagua had 72 hours to withdraw the remarks and apologise.
If the former Deputy President does not comply, the MP said his lawyers would proceed with the planned defamation case.
The dispute adds another layer to the growing political confrontation in Nakuru, where competing political factions are increasingly using public rallies, accusations and legal complaints to settle their differences.
For now, Gikaria’s demand has placed the next move firmly with Gachagua — with the threat of a potentially costly defamation battle hanging over the former Deputy President.
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