United Democratic Party (UDP) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala has cautioned the government against arresting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning that such a move could trigger widespread protests and disrupt the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final matches in Nairobi.
Speaking during an interview with Radio Citizen on Monday, August 18, Malala argued that detaining Gachagua, particularly when the Harambee Stars are preparing for a crucial quarter-final clash at Kasarani Stadium this Friday, would plunge the country into chaos.
“If you apprehend Rigathi Gachagua the following day, you will see demonstrations, and yet the Harambee Stars will be playing on Friday,” Malala said. “If Gachagua is apprehended even for a single day, Thika Road will be impassable and fans will not be able to watch the games.”
Malala criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for insisting that Gachagua must record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over his recent controversial remarks. Gachagua had claimed that senior government officials met with RFT and Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera, allegations Murkomen dismissed while warning Kenyans against sharing videos of the former DP online.
Murkomen maintained that Gachagua’s remarks risk undermining Kenya’s security, political, and social stability. “It’s no longer a joke who the former Deputy President is at the moment… you are the ones encouraging a person who is unwell to continue saying things that are going to hurt our country,” Murkomen said during a press briefing on Monday, August 11.
In response, Malala claimed that if authorities insist on pursuing Gachagua, he will only issue a statement before the Senate or the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Meanwhile, Gachagua announced on Thursday, August 14, that he had cut short his U.S. tour to return home ahead of upcoming by-elections. He is expected to land in Nairobi on Thursday, August 21, where Malala says supporters will flood Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome him.
As Kenya prepares for the CHAN quarter-finals, tensions surrounding Gachagua’s return and possible arrest threaten to overshadow the football spectacle, raising concerns about political stability during a moment of international focus on the country.
