IG Kanja Speaks on Claims of Plans to Arrest Gachagua Upon Arrival
The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that it intends to arrest Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), when he lands in Kenya.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday morning, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja clarified that Gachagua’s return to the country was not an unusual matter. He explained that his arrival would be treated in the same way as that of any other Kenyan citizen coming back home.
Kanja assured Kenyans that there was no cause for alarm, emphasizing that the police were fully in control of the country’s security. He promised that any attempt to disrupt peace and stability would be dealt with in strict accordance with the law.
The IG, however, made it clear that Gachagua, like every other citizen, was not exempt from the law. He stated that should credible evidence link him to any wrongdoing, the police would not hesitate to take action.
“As the police service, we wish to make it clear that Gachagua’s arrival is an ordinary event, just like any other Kenyan arriving back in the country,” Kanja said.
“I also want to remind Kenyans that our responsibility is to safeguard security. Anyone who breaks the law will face legal consequences, no matter their position. Therefore, Gachagua’s return should not be treated as anything extraordinary,” he added.
Gachagua is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon, after completing a six-week tour of the United States. His return has generated speculation and tension, with different political camps preparing to welcome or challenge his presence.
Kanja’s remarks came just a few hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned members of the DCP against attempting to disrupt public order once their party leader arrives.
Murkomen stressed that the government was ready to act firmly against opposition figures who might mobilise supporters to interfere with business activities in Nairobi.
“The last time he returned, we witnessed disruptions under the cover of protests. This time, the government is well-prepared, and the police will ensure that the safety of Kenyan citizens is not compromised,” Murkomen warned.
Meanwhile, the DCP leadership has issued its own counter-claims against the government. In a statement on Wednesday, August 20, the party accused state officials of allegedly plotting to send hired groups to disrupt Gachagua’s homecoming procession.
Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala told reporters that they had received information about a series of meetings between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Interior CS Murkomen.
According to Malala, these meetings allegedly resulted in plans to unleash government-sponsored groups to cause violence during Gachagua’s arrival.
“We have credible reports that the Nairobi Governor and the Interior Cabinet Secretary have been holding meetings late into the night. They have activated state-sponsored goons who are under instructions to attack innocent Kenyans,” Malala claimed.
He went further to allege that other leaders, including George Aladwa and Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, were also involved in directing the groups.
“These leaders have instructed their groups to loot, destroy property, and even harm people during the arrival of our party leader. This is a dangerous scheme designed to create chaos and blame it on DCP,” Malala insisted.
The heated exchanges between government officials and DCP leaders have set the stage for a tense Thursday afternoon, as both supporters and critics of Rigathi Gachagua await his landing at JKIA.
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