Nakuru Protest Thwarted: Activists Arrested Amid Growing Tensions with Governor Kihika’s Administration
Nakuru, Kenya — Tensions flared in Nakuru on Tuesday as a planned demonstration against Governor Susan Kihika and key county officials was swiftly disrupted by a heavy security presence, leading to the arrest of several rights activists.
The protest, which had been organised by concerned residents and members of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) rights community, aimed to draw attention to alleged inefficiencies and deteriorating services in the county government. Protesters were demanding the resignation of County Secretary Samwel Mwaura, Trade CEC Stephen Kuria Muiruri, Political Advisor Francis Njoroge, and County Enforcement Director Charles Nyanaro.
The peaceful march was to begin at Railways Grounds and proceed along Kenyatta Avenue to the governor’s office. However, moments after noon, police intercepted the demonstrators, detaining some—including prominent PWD activists—and transporting them to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices.
Among those arrested was Mercy Ochieng, a lead organiser, who accused police of excessive force and gender-insensitive conduct. “I was recording a video when a male officer manhandled me, while policewomen stood by. This is not just about service delivery—it’s about our right to be heard,” she said outside the DCI offices after her release.
Ochieng and her colleagues lamented the increasing suppression of dissent in Nakuru, accusing Governor Kihika’s administration of silencing criticism with force. “Why deploy security across the city if you believe you’re serving the public well?” she posed.
James Mbugua, another PWD activist, described being forcefully thrown into a police vehicle “like a sack of potatoes.” He insisted the group only intended to deliver a demand letter peacefully to the governor’s office.
Human rights watchdog Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) condemned the arrests. David Kuria, an IMLU officer, reported monitoring the situation and confirmed meeting with county DCI officers who released the protesters unconditionally. “There was no lawful basis for the arrests. We’ve also asked the DCI to investigate the unidentified goons who were present and appeared to provoke unrest,” Kuria stated.
Nakuru residents have voiced growing dissatisfaction with Governor Kihika’s leadership in recent weeks, particularly over healthcare and service delivery.
The incident comes shortly after Governor Kihika returned to Kenya from maternity leave in the United States, where she gave birth to twins. Despite her celebratory homecoming, calls for accountability within her administration continue to intensify.
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Nakuru Protest Thwarted: Activists Arrested Amid Growing Tensions with Governor Kihika’s Administration