IG Kanja quashes arrest speculation surrounding Gachagua’s arrival
IG Kanja stressed that “no one is above the law” and action would only be taken if Gachagua or his supporters violated the law.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has dismissed speculation of an imminent arrest for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his return from the United States will be treated as routine.
In a presser, IG Kanja said Gachagua’s homecoming is “just like that of any other Kenyan returning to the country” and insisted police have no problem with his arrival.
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IG Kanja stressed, however, that “no one is above the law” and action would only be taken if Gachagua or his supporters violated the law.
“Rigathi’s arrival is just like that of any other Kenyan returning to the country, so we have no issue with it,” said Kanja.
Gachagua arrived at the JKIA in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon, following the conclusion of his six-week tour in the US.
The IG's remarks came as security was visibly heightened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where Gachagua was expected to land around midday.
From the early hours, anti-riot squads, water cannons, and General Service Unit (GSU) officers in lorries were deployed around the airport as supporters streamed in, waving banners and chanting slogans.
Hours earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned DCP members against causing disorder during the return of their party leader.
Murkomen said the government is ready to take legal measures against any opposition leaders found mobilising supporters to interfere with business activities in Nairobi.
“The last time he was here, there were disruptions disguised as protests. This time, we are fully prepared, and the police will safeguard Kenyan citizens,” Murkomen said.
DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala recently alleged that the state plans to arrest the former Deputy President upon his arrival.
“If they dare lay a hand on him, the country will grind to a halt,” Malala warned, vowing that the party would resist any attempt to block him from addressing supporters.
He alleged that there are plans to divert Gachagua's flight in order to prevent him from addressing supporters at the JKIA.
Malala described Gachagua's arrival as an event worthy of a grand welcome. “This is not just a welcome – it is a statement to the world that Kenya belongs to her people,” he added, calling on supporters to turn out in large numbers.
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