Police ready to handle potential unrest as Gachagua returns from US, Murkomen assures

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen in Murang'a County for the 30th Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement on August 19, 2025. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Murkomen said that while Kenya has remained peaceful during Gachagua’s absence, police are ready to act should his return trigger unrest.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that security agencies are fully prepared ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from the United States, even as he described his homecoming as a potential ‘threat’ to national stability.

Speaking on Tuesday during a press briefing in Murang’a, Murkomen said that while Kenya has remained peaceful during Gachagua’s absence, police are ready to act should his return trigger unrest.

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He downplayed fears, noting that many people land in Kenya daily without causing tension.

“There are so many people landing in Kenya every day, so I don’t see why we should be particularly worried about one person. That said, there are two points to consider. First, the absence or return of a third leader in the country could pose a security risk, which is not entirely unfounded. The past few weeks have been very peaceful in his absence, so you have a valid point in suggesting that the security agencies should be ready in case his return leads to a more chaotic environment,” Murkomen said.

The CS stressed that the government is prepared to prevent any disturbances, citing past incidents when security agencies successfully managed protests allegedly caused by Gachagua.

“Let me say that the security sector is fully prepared to handle any threats to public safety. The last time he was in the country, there were numerous disruptions during protests, and we were well prepared to manage them. The National Police Service is always ready to protect citizens and their property. We are aware of potential threats, including disruptions to public events and football activities. I want to emphasise that we will take legal action against anyone who breaks the law,” he said.

Murkomen urged Kenyans to maintain the calm witnessed in recent weeks when the former DP was not around the country.

“I wish Kenya remained peaceful as it was for the last three to four weeks. And I wish people continue their political activities in a more peaceful environment like we’ve seen in the last four or five weeks, but because we sometimes have no control over people’s behaviour and character, then we must be prepared to protect the citizens,” he added.

Gachagua, who has been in the U.S. on what he described as a political outreach tour, is scheduled to return on Thursday, August 21, at 8:00 am. He had initially planned to fly back on September 8, but he said he had to cut his trip short to spearhead the Democracy for Citizens Party’s (DCP) campaigns in the upcoming by-elections, particularly in Mbeere North, Embu County, which the party has flagged as a key priority.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has slated several by-elections for November 27, 2025. These include parliamentary contests in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Ugunja, as well as a Senate race in Baringo.

In a social media post, Gachagua said his tour had been successful and energising.

“It has been a very successful and fulfilling visit. I held serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora, and I’m coming home energised,” he wrote, while reaffirming that he is returning to revive the Wantam Movement, which he said is gaining traction nationwide.

According to DCP Deputy Party Leader Clephas Malala, his supporters will gather at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive Gachagua before accompanying him in a procession to Kamukunji grounds.

“Gachagua will lead a mother of all peaceful processions from the airport to the CBD and eventually to Kamukunji grounds for a rally,” Malala said.

Malala added that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had been informed about the plans and urged officers to provide security rather than disrupt the gathering.