Gov’t now says Gachagua must explain terrorism remarks to police upon return to Kenya

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have demanded that the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua record a statement with the police upon his return to the country over his remarks on terrorism while in the United States.

During his ongoing US tour, Gachagua has recently claimed that President William Ruto must explain to Kenyans why he allegedly met with three Al-Shabaab militia at night to discuss “business.”

The former Deputy President also speculated that the government is hiding its intention by removing the vetting requirement for non-Kenyans before issuing them with identity cards (IDs).

"We are also here to put the Kenyan case to the American government, Congress and Senate. William Ruto, Americans want to know why you're working with Al-Shabaab; why, when you're in Mandera, you met three leaders of the Al-Shabaab militia at night to discuss business with them," Gachagua claimed.

"They want to know why you have removed the requirement for vetting of non-Kenyans before they're given IDs. The Americans are concerned that suspected terrorists will be registered as Kenyans and will find their way to America and the rest of the world and create terror in the world."

Speaking on Saturday in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet, CS Murkomen slammed Gachagua over his utterances, citing that matters of national security should be treated with utmost gravity. 

"DP, when you were Interior CS, you carried yourself with utmost respect for the country and people of Kenya. I saw another man, who sat where you're sitting, disparaging the country, talking about issues of insecurity as though it's a joke. He thinks he's going to parade issues of terrorism in America to get votes," Murkomen remarked.

"We want to say without fear of contradiction, because he said he has information and has an agent who's sitting in meetings with Al-Shabaab. As soon as he lands in the country, he must record a statement to tell us which meetings he's doing with terrorists."

He cautioned public officers to uphold the dignity of their positions and refrain from making certain remarks to gain political mileage.

"This country, we've joked for too long. Lakini na mtu mpumbavu kama huyo alipata aje kukaa kiti kama hii jameni? It's just unbelievable. We must carry ourselves with the responsibility that deserves of a public office. Can such a person become the president? Alishindwa kumaliza DP, hakumaliza half-term, alafu anakuja kutuambia one-term," the Interior CS stated.

Kindiki, on the other hand, echoed Murkomen's stance and called for the relevant authorities to hold Gachagua accountable for his remarks. 

"I hear there's a leader who spoke outside Kenya and said they have information that can help us preempt any attack by Al-Shabaab because they have information on who and where plans to terrorise Kenya are being made," he pointed out. 

"We want to ask the relevant agencies to make sure the people saying they have that information must be held accountable and must record a statement to help us protect Kenya from harm, bandits, terrorists and criminals."

The DP acknowledged that Kenya has been hit severely by terrorists and cattle rustling and there is a need for leaders to distinguish between everyday politics and matters of national security.

"Bora wasitumie nafasi kuhujumu usalama wa taifa ama kuongea mambo ya upuzi. Nchi yetu ya Kenya imepata pigo kwa miaka mingi kutokana na magaidi, wizi wa mifugo na wakora wengine sugu. Hatuwezi kufanya jambo la ugaidi iwe jambo la mzaha na mambo ya siasa. We must distinguish matters of national security from everyday politics," added Kindiki. 

Gachagua embarked on the US tour on July 11, 2025, and has since visited several states to engage with international stakeholders, open DCP diaspora offices and rally support for the opposition.