Malala Warns Government Against Arresting Gachagua, Predicts Unrest During CHAN Games
Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has warned that there could be serious disruptions and public unrest if the government chooses to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he returns to Kenya.
While speaking during a Radio Citizen interview on Monday, August 18, Malala said that Gachagua’s arrest would spark demonstrations by his supporters on Friday, a day when the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals are scheduled to take place at Kasarani Stadium.
Malala stressed that any move to detain Gachagua, especially during an international sports event being watched across the continent, would damage the image of President William Ruto and the Kenyan government in the eyes of the world.
“If you arrest Rigathi Gachagua, the very next day there will be protests. The Harambee Stars are supposed to play on Friday in the CHAN quarter-finals, but I can assure you that if Gachagua is held, people will block the roads and cause chaos, and fans won’t get to the stadium,” Malala explained. He added, “Even if he is detained for a single day, major highways like Thika Road will be completely blocked. You cannot arrest Gachagua and expect the country to remain calm.”
Malala strongly criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of trying to intimidate Gachagua by demanding that he records a statement over his recent controversial comments.
According to Malala, Gachagua had only raised serious security concerns when he accused some senior government officials of holding secret meetings with dangerous groups such as RFT and Al-Shabaab.
Malala insisted that the former DP will only agree to record a statement before the Senate or even at the International Criminal Court (ICC), not before local investigators.
He stated: “The government is threatening Gachagua because he spoke the truth—that some officials met with terrorists. If they insist on a statement, let him record it in the Senate or at the ICC.”
Earlier, on Monday, August 11, Kipchumba Murkomen responded to Gachagua’s allegations in a press briefing, stating that the former Deputy President must report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to give a formal statement upon his return.
Murkomen also cautioned Kenyans against circulating Gachagua’s videos online, saying that such content could threaten national security and destabilize the country politically and socially.
On Thursday, August 14, Gachagua himself issued a statement confirming that he had shortened his trip to the United States. He said he had been scheduled to visit more states, but decided to return early so he could prepare for the upcoming by-elections alongside his party.
“I had a very fruitful and successful visit to the United States, where I engaged with Kenyans living abroad. However, I have cut my visit short to return home and work with our party, DCP, ahead of the by-elections taking place in various parts of the country,” Gachagua said.
Malala concluded by announcing that a huge crowd of supporters will gather at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, August 21, to welcome Gachagua back to the country.
He maintained that any attempt by the government to arrest Gachagua at the airport will lead to immediate demonstrations and disrupt the peace during a time when Kenya is under international attention due to the football tournament.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
