Nyandarua Governor Badilisha Granted Anticipatory Bail Amid Alleged DCI Surveillance

Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha has been granted anticipatory bail of Sh50,000 by the High Court following claims of being trailed by unidentified individuals suspected to be detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the governor should not be arrested or detained by the DCI or National Police Service pending the hearing of his case. The judge emphasized that no officer acting under their authority should take any action to detain Badilisha before the matter is heard in court.

Allegations of Surveillance

Badilisha reported to the court that since August 14, 2026, he had been under surveillance around his Ol Kalou residence. His caretaker informed him of persons believed to be DCI officers stationed nearby, which raised concerns for his safety and freedom.

The governor stated that the surveillance intensified during the weekend of August 15 and 16, with the suspected officers allegedly following his official vehicles. He further claimed that his vehicles were intercepted and searched as part of an apparent effort to establish identities and potentially arrest him.

He expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the pursuit, noting he had never been summoned or questioned by investigators. Badilisha suggested the surveillance was a prelude to an arrest attempt, possibly authorized by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Political Context

Badilisha recently left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). He is a former ally of retired Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The court's decision provides Badilisha protection from arrest or detention as the case proceeds.