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The government has directed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to record a statement with the police regarding his recent remarks on terrorism made during his ongoing tour of the United States.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Gachagua must account for his statements alleging links between President William Ruto and the Al-Shabaab militant group.
While addressing the Kenyan diaspora in the US, the former Deputy President claimed that President Ruto had allegedly held a secret nighttime meeting in Mandera with three senior Al-Shabaab members to discuss “business.” He further questioned the government’s decision to scrap the vetting process for foreigners applying for Kenyan identity cards, warning it could enable suspected terrorists to infiltrate the country and even reach the US and other parts of the world.
“William Ruto, Americans want to know why you are working with Al-Shabaab; why you met three militia leaders in Mandera at night to discuss business,” Gachagua alleged. “They also want to know why you removed the vetting requirement for non-Kenyans before issuing them IDs, which could allow terrorists to be registered as Kenyans.”
Speaking in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet, CS Murkomen criticised the remarks as reckless and detrimental to national security, stressing that such issues should not be politicised.
“When you were Interior CS, you carried yourself with respect for the country. Now you are parading insecurity issues in America as if it’s a joke to gain votes. If you claim to have information and contacts within Al-Shabaab, you must record a statement with the police immediately upon arrival,” Murkomen said, adding that public officers must uphold the dignity of their positions.
DP Kindiki backed Murkomen’s position, urging security agencies to act swiftly.
“If someone claims to have intelligence that can help prevent an Al-Shabaab attack, they must share it with authorities. Such information should be used to protect Kenya from terrorists, bandits, and other criminals, not for political mileage,” Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President further cautioned against trivialising terrorism and cattle rustling, which he said have cost the country dearly over the years.
Gachagua began his US tour on July 11, 2025, visiting multiple states to open DCP diaspora offices, engage with international stakeholders, and rally opposition support.
ENDS///…
