Tensions Escalate as Police Block Naivasha MP Jane Kihara’s Home

Tensions Escalate as Police Block Naivasha MP Jane Kihara’s Home

The political storm surrounding Naivasha MP Jane Kihara intensified on Saturday morning after anti-riot police officers barricaded her home in Maraigushu, Naivasha, preventing an expected visit from her friends.

Teams of heavily armed officers also mounted roadblocks on all major routes leading to the legislator’s residence, sparking fear and outrage among locals. Residents described the show of force as an alarming escalation in what they say is a targeted intimidation campaign against leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The latest standoff comes less than two weeks after Kihara was forcibly taken from her home and charged at the Milimani Law Courts with incitement.

Despite the heavy police presence, area leaders and residents gathered at Kihara’s compound to express solidarity. Officers stood watch as speeches and prayers were held in support of the embattled MP.

Speaking to the press, a visibly emotional Kihara condemned President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating her political persecution. She maintained that she had been expecting friends for a private visit and did not need state approval to host them.

“Before the last elections, I hosted Ruto here. Now, he has turned against me—arresting me and ordering police raids on my home,” she said. “This will not silence me. I will continue to speak up and defend the poor from state harassment.”

Flanked by supportive local leaders, Kihara insisted she had a constitutional right to welcome guests to her residence. She accused the president and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of double standards.

“Every day, Ruto and Kindiki host delegations without restriction. But when other elected leaders do the same, it becomes a problem,” she stated.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja criticized the government for what he termed as “misusing security agencies” while other parts of the country grapple with rising insecurity.

“We will stand with our MP. She is being crucified for her political beliefs and her support for the former Deputy President,” Karanja said. “Meanwhile, operations in key government agencies are collapsing as insecurity becomes the order of the day.”

Viwandani MCA Mwangi Muraya echoed the concerns, questioning whether the law had changed to require police permission for citizens to visit their leaders.

“Ruto, who was once hosted here, is now behaving like a dictator—harassing the very people who stood with him. We will not allow this,” Muraya declared.

The incident has fueled speculation about deepening political fractures within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Analysts warn that the growing rift between President Ruto’s camp and allies of former DP Gachagua could undermine the administration’s stability.

For Kihara, however, the standoff is personal. “No amount of intimidation will deter me. My door will remain open to friends, allies, and constituents,” she vowed.

As tensions persist, residents of Naivasha remain on edge—unsure if the police barricades were a one-off show of force or a sign of more confrontations to come.