Mandera’s senator, Ali Roba, on August 7, addressed allegations over President William Ruto’s visit to Mandera County, specifically claiming that he secretly met with Al Shabaab leaders.
The former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, while addressing a public forum, alleged that the Head of State met three leaders of the Al Shabaab militia under the cover of darkness to discuss undisclosed business matters.
“It has come to our attention that Mr. Rigathi Gachagua has once again chosen to recklessly peddle blatant falsehoods in a desperate attempt to mislead the public for cheap political mileage,” said Ali Roba in his statement.
Gachagua further accused the President of removing the vetting process for non-Kenyans seeking Kenyan identification documents, claiming it posed a threat to both national and international security.
“They want to know why, when you were in Mandera, you met three leaders of the Al Shabaab militia at night to discuss business,” Gachagua said.
He also claimed that foreign governments, particularly the United States, were concerned that removing vetting measures could allow suspected terrorists to acquire Kenyan IDs and eventually access other countries under false identities.
“Your decision to suspend vetting of foreigners before they are given registration in Kenya is a threat to world security,” he stated.
Ali Roba responds to Gachagua
In a detailed response, senator Roba described the accusations as “a calculated, malevolent lie” and termed Gachagua’s remarks as dangerous, misleading, and an attempt to gain political mileage through spreading fear.
Roba clarified that he personally accompanied President Ruto during the entire Mandera tour and confirmed that no secret or unofficial meetings took place.
Also Read: Gachagua Answers Ruto After Bombshell
“Every aspect of the President’s one-day itinerary was transparent and in the public domain. He only met officially recognised Mandera leaders and the public in open forums,” Roba said.
The former Governor accused Gachagua of distorting facts and spreading misinformation that could harm the country’s security interests and community trust.
He expressed concern that such claims could stigmatise communities in Northern Kenya, who have historically faced systemic exclusion and profiling.
Roba clarifies vetting issue
On the issue of security vetting, Roba clarified that President Ruto had not abolished vetting altogether.
Instead, the President had called for the removal of discriminatory and excessive vetting procedures unfairly imposed on the people of the Northern Frontier District (NFD).
Roba emphasised that the Head of State advocated for a uniform, constitutional vetting process applied equally to all Kenyans, regardless of ethnicity or region.
“The burden of proof for all his lies is with him. The DCI must do its job, and Mr Gachagua must either present evidence or face legal consequences,” Roba said in reference to Gachagua.
Also Read: Matiang’i, Gachagua Closed-Door Talks Unsettle Ruto’s Camp
The former governor concluded by urging national leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements and warned against exploiting national security for political gain.
He further called on Kenyans to reject divisive rhetoric and support unity, especially in marginalised regions like Mandera.
Roba maintained that the allegations were not only untrue but posed a risk to national cohesion and could negatively influence international perceptions of Kenya’s security operations.
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