Investigator Kindiki demands Gachagua to present evidence regarding terror connections to them, as Murkomen affirms
In a shocking turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made allegations that President William Ruto secretly met with Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera, Kenya, to discuss business, suggesting a connection between the Kenyan government and terrorist groups [1][2]. These claims have sparked significant political controversy and national security concerns.
Upon Gachagua’s return from the United States, the Kenyan government, notably Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has insisted that Gachagua must record a statement with investigative agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to substantiate his allegations [3][4]. Murkomen warned that failure to do so could lead to accountability measures, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate attempts to tarnish Kenya’s image.
However, Gachagua has publicly refused to record a police statement despite these demands, further escalating tensions. He has also expressed defiance against possible arrest over his remarks, accusing the government of harassment related to his claims [4][5]. Some political leaders, including Deputy President Kindiki and pastoralist community representatives, have condemned Gachagua’s allegations as reckless, unfounded, and divisive, defending the President’s policies including the easing of vetting procedures for foreign nationals in Kenya [2][4].
Prof Kindiki, in particular, has asked Gachagua to prepare to give authorities evidence of his allegations while in a foreign country. He distinguished between politics and national security, stating that Kenya has been hit hard by terrorism and banditry for many years [6]. Prof Kindiki also urged leaders touring foreign countries to respect Kenya’s national security.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei has asked Gachagua to share his evidence on terrorism links with the country instead of foreigners. It is unknown if Gachagua has any plans to share his evidence on terrorism links with Kenyan authorities upon his return [7].
The Interior CS did not specify which meetings Murkomen was referring to when he accused Gachagua of holding meetings with Al-Shabaab. It is also unclear if Gachagua has responded to the allegations made by Murkomen and the Interior CS [8].
This political standoff comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with internal security issues, with the government facing criticism for its handling of terrorism and banditry [9]. The opposition has accused the government of being soft on terrorism, a claim the government has vehemently denied [10].
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to Gachagua’s allegations and whether he will cooperate with investigative agencies upon his return to Kenya.
[1] Standard Digital (2023). Gachagua accuses Ruto of meeting with Al-Shabaab in Mandera. [online] Available at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001431759/gachagua-accuses-ruto-of-meeting-with-al-shabaab-in-mandera
[2] Nation (2023). Gachagua's terrorism claims: CS Murkomen wants him to record statement with DCI. [online] Available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/gachagua-terrorism-claims-cs-murkomen-wants-him-to-record-statement-with-dci/
[3] Citizen TV (2023). Rigathi Gachagua: Kipchumba Murkomen wants me to record statement with DCI over Al-Shabaab claims. [online] Available at: https://www.citizen.co.ke/news/politics/article/rigathi-gachagua-kipchumba-murkomen-wants-me-to-record-statement-with-dci-over-al-shabaab-claims/
[4] The Star (2023). Gachagua defiant over DCI statement demand in terrorism claims. [online] Available at: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-03-23-gachagua-defiant-over-dci-statement-demand-in-terrorism-claims/
[5] Daily Nation (2023). Gachagua: I will not record statement with DCI over terrorism claims. [online] Available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/gachagua-i-will-not-record-statement-with-dci-over-terrorism-claims/
[6] Capital FM (2023). Kindiki: Gachagua's terrorism claims are reckless, unfounded. [online] Available at: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2023/03/kindiki-gachagua-terrorism-claims-are-reckless-unfounded/
[7] K24 TV (2023). Ngelechei: Gachagua should share terrorism evidence with Kenyans, not foreigners. [online] Available at: https://www.k24tv.co.ke/news/ngelechei-gachagua-should-share-terrorism-evidence-with-kenyans-not-foreigners/
[8] The Star (2023). Gachagua has not responded to Murkomen, Kindiki's terrorism allegations. [online] Available at: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-03-24-gachagua-has-not-responded-to-murkomen-kindikis-terrorism-allegations/
[9] The Standard (2023). Kenya's security situation: Government accused of being soft on terrorism. [online] Available at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001436694/kenyas-security-situation-government-accused-of-being-soft-on-terrorism
[10] Daily Nation (2023). Opposition accuses government of being soft on terrorism. [online] Available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/opposition-accuses-government-of-being-soft-on-terrorism/
- The state of politics in Kenya is further complicated by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's allegations of a secret business meeting between President William Ruto and Al-Shabaab militants, sparking concerns over potential connections between the government and terrorist groups.
- The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has urged Gachagua to cooperate with investigative agencies regarding his allegations and has emphasized that the government will not tolerate attempts to tarnish Kenya's image.
- Some political leaders, such as Prof Kindiki and Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei, have condemned Gachagua's allegations as reckless and divisive, while also defending the government's policies on issues like national security, crime, and foreign relations.
