Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to political leaders against any attempts to disrupt the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final match between Harambee Stars and Madagascar set for Friday, August 22, at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Stadium.
This came following threats by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua‘s political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which warned that Gachagua’s arrest upon arrival from the United States could spark mass protests and potentially disrupt the CHAN tournament.
Speaking during a press briefing in Murang’a on Tuesday, August 19, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government is committed to maintaining order and ensuring the match proceeds without incident.
CS Murkomen emphasized that any political interference—whether domestic or from individuals returning to the country—would not be tolerated.
“Any disruptive activities from all political actors, both those who have been outside the country or those who are within, will not be entertained in Kasarani. We want to see that law and order prevail in our country,” he cautioned.
Murkomen assures Kenyans of security
The CS also called on Kenyans to continue supporting Harambee Stars and reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to uphold safety standards for the event.
“I want to assure the citizens of Kenya that we will provide the necessary security to make sure that the sports activity is successful. We are waiting for directions from CAF as to the numbers and everything, and once that is confirmed, we will call on Kenyans once again to be supportive as they did to Harambee Stars and ensure that we abide by the rules,” he added.
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Murkomen’s remarks come just days before the expected return of former DP and DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, who is scheduled to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, August 21, after a trip to the U.S.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala on Monday warned that Gachagua’s arrest upon arrival could spark mass protests and potentially disrupt the CHAN tournament.
He warned that such demonstrations could cause disruptions along Thika Road, which leads to Kasarani Stadium.
“Thousands will turn out to welcome Gachagua. Where will you arrest him? If you detain Gachagua and protests erupt, and the CHAN tournament is happening, what will the President be thinking? he questioned
Malala warns DCP supporters will protest
Malala further criticized Murkomen for pressuring Gachagua to explain his controversial claims that certain government officials had links with extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Also Read: DCP Alleges Plan to Divert Gachagua’s Flight When He Arrives from the US
He mentioned that the statements linking the Kenyan government to the two groups are public information.
“Those are ordinary threats. The government often speaks, but there is nothing it can do. Gachagua cannot be arrested at the airport. Why should he be detained? For claiming that Ruto was meeting with Al-Shabaab and RSF? I am also asserting that he met with RSF leaders. It is public knowledge; let them come and arrest me. Why wait for Gachagua to travel from the U.S.? These matters are in the public domain; even the U.S. Senate is discussing them. Sudan has accused Kenya of interfering with its sovereignty,” Malala alleged.
“So, these issues originate from Gachagua. If they want Gachagua to record a statement, it must be at the U.S. Senate or ICC. We cannot record a statement against those we are filing a complaint with.”
Earlier in the week, Malala had alleged that the government plans “to divert Gachagua’s flight to Mombasa or Kisumu International Airport in order to deny him an opportunity to deliver a much-anticipated address to the nation.”
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