Rigathi Gachagua Says He Ended His Procession from JKIA to Protect Supporters, Property from Goons
- DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua says goons' attacks were why he never made it to the Kamukunji grounds on Thursday for his political rally
- Gachagua had been slated to address his supporters later that day after returning from the United States where he had camped on a political tour
- He argued that had he stuck to the plan, then the goons who had intercepted his convoy on Mombasa Road would have esclated their aggression putting the lives of his supporters at risk
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Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua says his failure to address a rally at Kamukunji grounds was not an act of cowardice, but consideration for the well-being of his supporters and property owners.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua returned to Kenya on Thursday, August 21, coming from the United States, where he had camped for six weeks advancing his political agenda.
While announcing the former deputy president's itinerary, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala stated that the party leader would be welcomed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), address a gathering there, and meet his supporters along the way as his convoy advances to the city centre.
The climax would be a mammoth rally at the Kamukunji grounds, where he would address his supporters.
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However, the foregoing plan did not materialise.
Speaking on Kameme radio on Friday, a day after the return, Gachagua explained that he was forced to end the procession prematurely for security reasons.
He claimed that the state had coordinated goons on his journey to disrupt his itinerary.
The politician noted that had he stuck by the plan and come out to address his supporters, the goons would have escalated their attacks, putting at risk his life, those of his supporters and property.
"My plan was to be received at the airport, speak to those present, and then proceed with a road tour to meet people through Mombasa Road to the centre of the capital city, where I would hold the mother of all rallies at Kamukunji grounds," he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the attack on former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy along Mombasa Road.
However, the CS did not hold back his criticism, faulting him for failing to follow security protocols.
In a press briefing on Friday, August 22, Murkomen said the chaos that erupted during Gachagua’s return rally could have been avoided.
The CS explained that if the organisers of Gachagua's welcome had formally notified the police in advance, the incident would have been averted.
The CS explained that security planning requires clear communication between political organisers and law enforcement.
He faulted Gachagua’s team for disregarding calls to notify the authorities, warning that failure to comply exposes supporters and the public to unnecessary risks.
Earlier, the CS had denied there being a command for a heavy police deployment at the JKIA to man crowds ahead of Gachagua's return.
Murkomen said that the officers there were undertaking their policing duties as routine and had not asked for any reinforcement.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
