Kipchumba Murkomen Says Gachagua's Return to Kenya Is a Security Threat: "We'll Take Action"
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen warned that Rigathi Gachagua’s return poses a security threat, saying agencies are on high alert
- He argued that the former deputy president’s absence had coincided with calm, hinting his arrival could ignite political unrest
- Murkomen cautioned leaders against mobilising unruly crowds, vowing that anyone breaking the law during the return would face legal action
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua poses a security threat.
Source: Facebook
The CS, a close ally of President William Ruto, warned that the government will not tolerate any disruptions linked to his arrival.
Speaking in Murang’a on Tuesday, August 19, during the Jukwaa La Usalama county chapter, Murkomen said security agencies are on high alert ahead of Gachagua’s scheduled return.
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"First of all, your question sounds funny, because there are so many people landing in Kenya every day. So I don’t know why we should be worried about one person landing," Murkomen said.
How is Gachagua's return a security threat?
He added that Gachagua’s absence from the country had coincided with weeks of calm, suggesting that his return could trigger political tensions.
The CS stressed that law enforcement agencies are ready to deal with any disruptions during the former DP's return.
"The absence of that leader in the country, or his arrival, is a security threat, which means you are not really entirely wrong, because in the last few months or weeks when he has not been around, the country has been very peaceful. And so you have a point by saying that perhaps the security agency should be prepared for a more chaotic environment as a result of his coming back to the country.
"Let me say that the security sector is prepared to deal with any insecurity issues. The last time he was around and there were so many goons in the name protests, we were very prepared," Murkomen noted.
Murkomen also warned political leaders planning to mobilise unruly crowds that they would face legal consequences.
“We will take legal action against anybody who is going to break the law. We want to see that law and order prevails in our country,” he said.
How will Gachagua be welcomed?
Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) announced elaborate plans to welcome him back after several weeks abroad.
According to a statement by deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, Gachagua is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, August 21, at midday.
The DCP party leader's supporters have been asked to assemble at the airport from as early as 8am.
Source: Facebook
Malala said the day would feature a peaceful procession from JKIA to Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds, where Gachagua will address a rally.
He described the event as a show of unity and support for the former deputy president, who has been meeting Kenyan communities in the diaspora.
But Malala also accused the government of planning to frustrate Gachagua’s arrival, alleging efforts to divert the flight to Mombasa or Kisumu.
Will Gachagua be arrested on return from US?
Beyond the political drama, Gachagua faces a pending summons from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
As reported earlier, Murkomen said the former deputy president would be required to record a statement regarding his recent claims that government officials were working with armed groups.
The CS further questioned Gachagua’s mental well-being, suggesting that the stress of his impeachment and removal from office might have affected him.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
