Gachagua claimed that people armed with axes, stones and other crude weapons attacked his convoy as police officers allegedly watched.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Gachagua, also alleged that the convoy came under attack during the former Deputy President’s ongoing political tour of Nakuru County. The party claimed on its official platforms that Gachagua narrowly escaped what it described as an assassination attempt. The Star reported that DCP did not provide further details about the alleged shooting.
Gachagua, however, gave a detailed account of the incident while accusing his political opponents of organising the alleged attack.
“Goons organized and paid by Susan Kihika and Samuel Arama attacked our convoy at Kaptembwa, in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with axes, rocks and other crude weapons as police watched,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President claimed that members of the media accompanying his team were also targeted during the confrontation.
“Luckily, wananchi repulsed these thugs and ensured our safety and that of the members of the 4th Estate who were also targeted,” he added.
Gachagua Takes Aim at Ruto and Murkomen
Gachagua subsequently turned his criticism towards President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing them of failing to stop political violence despite their public statements against goonism.
“When Mr. William Ruto and Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen said goons would not be allowed anywhere in the country, it was just another lie, the usual lip service and political posturing,” Gachagua said.
He accused the government of relying on political violence to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“They cannot do without goons,” the former Deputy President declared.
Gachagua further claimed that the alleged violence was being used because the government feared growing political competition.
“They think that the only way to stop competition after being abandoned by Kenyans is through the use of violence against opponents and the employment of goons,” he said.
The remarks came as Gachagua continued his two-day political tour of Nakuru County. His planned itinerary includes engagements in several parts of the county, with the DCP leader scheduled to visit Njoro, Elburgon, Turi, Molo, Kibunja and Rongai on Saturday.
‘There Will Be No Escape Route’
Gachagua issued a strong warning to the Ruto administration, maintaining that political intimidation would not prevent the opposition from challenging the government at the ballot.
“But there will be no escape route for this dictatorial regime,” he said.
The former Deputy President also linked what he described as rising political violence to Kenya’s international image, warning that tourists, foreign visitors, international dignitaries and investors could be affected.
“Kenyans, tourists, all foreigners and international dignitaries in Kenya and investors have to accept that goonism is now a way of life and live with it until the next General Election,” Gachagua said.
He then pointed to the 2027 General Election as the opportunity for Kenyans to determine the country's political direction.
“...when we get rid of Mr. William Ruto and his mafia on 10th August 2027 at the ballot,” he said.
Gachagua Promises to Continue Nakuru Tour
Despite the alleged attack, Gachagua said he would not abandon his planned engagements in Nakuru.
He said supporters in different parts of the county had promised to provide protection during his upcoming meetings.
“Ahead of our public engagements in Nakuru this weekend, our supporters in Njoro, Molo and Rongai have assured us of adequate protection by wananchi,” he said.
Gachagua's Nakuru tour comes amid heightened political activity as various political formations begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has increasingly positioned the DCP as a major opposition force, while repeatedly attacking President Ruto's administration and accusing it of attempting to frustrate his political activities.
What Happened in Kaptembwa?
The Kaptembwa incident has generated competing political claims, with DCP alleging that its convoy was targeted by goons.
The Star reported that the party shared videos alleging that Gachagua had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt but said the party did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
The Standard separately reported that Gachagua condemned the disruption during his Nakuru engagements and accused political opponents of organising goons to disrupt peaceful meetings. The publication also noted that Gachagua has previously accused security agencies of orchestrating violence against his political camp, allegations the government has denied.
Uzalendo News reported that Gachagua accused the government and its allies of resorting to violence and intimidation following the Kaptembwa confrontation.
However, the allegations that Susan Kihika and Samuel Arama organised or financed the alleged attackers remain claims made by Gachagua. They have not been independently established.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027
The Kaptembwa confrontation adds to growing political tensions as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has continued to use his public engagements to challenge the Ruto administration, while government-aligned leaders have pushed back against his criticism.
The former Deputy President's latest remarks are likely to intensify the political contest in Nakuru, a strategically important county where competing political camps are already mobilising supporters.
For Gachagua, however, the alleged attack has not changed his political strategy.
Instead, he has vowed to continue touring the region and meeting supporters, even as he accuses his opponents of attempting to use violence to stop his political activities.
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