Gachagua: State behind chaos that rocked my homecoming

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence over the chaotic events surrounding his return to Kenya on Thursday.

Gachagua, who had been on a whirlwind tour of America, blamed the state for the chaos, robbery, and physical violence meted out on his supporters during the homecoming, further claiming that President William Ruto and his allies were behind the onslaught.

During a phone interview with a Kameme FM talk show host, the former DP told of how the state had deployed a helicopter to monitor his movements and accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen of using state resources and goons to disrupt his homecoming.

“…Kasongo and his people planned goons to go to beat up my supporters and even robbed women who had arrived at the airport to celebrate my return and welcome me home. But ours is a mighty God and he still reigns,” said Gachagua.

Alluding to his disgraceful ouster from office and opposition politics, the DCP leader also highlighted his growing political profile- one of a man who had been spat out by government but one whose influence now transcends border.

“The embarrassment that Ruto and his people brought upon us has now been turned into a blessing by God. It is amazing that by God’s grace that the person who they had planned for to get impeached and go back to Wamunyoro is now being celebrated in America and on his return home, he finds millions of people waiting for him, ready to give him a warm welcome…” added the former DP.

His sentiments contrast with those of Murkomen, who blamed leaders from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) for failing to notify police officers of their itinerary during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s homecoming.

Speaking in Kirinyaga, Murkomen condemned the violence witnessed on Thursday, where hired goons were used to harass Kenyans, leaving journalists injured and several cars stoned.

He said the government had requested the DCP leaders to notify security agents prior to the homecoming, but the leaders ignored the orders.

“It was very sad that political activists were going to play games inside our airports. The airport is a protected area and not a place for games like we saw. Whatever was being done was totally useless with no value to anyone,”said the CS.

While fending off allegations of the state being behind the chaos witnessed on Thursday Murkomen  also said  that the police officers have began investigations to establish who organised and hired the goons who were terrorising residents from JKIA and along Jogoo Road.

He emphasized that any leader found to have facilitated the goons will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation. Further, the CS was categorical that innocent Kenyans caught in the way of political activities would better be protected.

He assured Kenyans that the government will put more measures in place to enhance security by deploying more police officers to protect innocent Kenyans caught in between political activities.

Earlier, Murkomen had denied being aware of the heavy police deployment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from a three-week trip to the United States.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Murkomen said neither he nor Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had prior knowledge of the deployment.

“You are the one informing me that there is a heavy deployment. I was not aware. Even the IG does not have to know about deployment in a particular place,” Murkomen said.

He explained that the National Police Service is decentralised, and officers may carry out law enforcement duties without first seeking clearance from the IG, provided they report through the proper channels.

“The IG generally does not have to be consulted before every police operation. Officers are empowered to act and later report through the required structures,” he added.

Murkomen said that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to safeguarding the rights of all Kenyans to pursue their political, social, and economic activities in a peaceful environment.