Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has warned that supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could stage protests and disrupt the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) matches if the government moves to arrest him upon his return.
Speaking on Radio Citizen on Monday, August 18, Malala predicted that unrest could erupt on Friday, potentially preventing fans from attending the CHAN quarter-finals at Kasarani Stadium.
He argued that detaining Gachagua at a time when Kenya is in the global spotlight due to football tournaments could damage President William Ruto’s international image.
“If you apprehend Rigathi Gachagua the following day, you will see demonstrations, and yet the Harambee Stars will be playing on Friday, because I’m sure that if Gachagua is apprehended, we will not be able to see the Harambee Stars play on Friday for the quarter-finals,” Malala said.
He added, “If Gachagua is apprehended for even a single day, Thika Road will be impassable and there will be chaos, which will prevent people from watching the games. You cannot apprehend Gachagua and then the country keeps quiet.”
Malala also criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for requesting a statement from Gachagua over his recent controversial claims. He said the former deputy president would provide the statement either to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the Senate.
“Gachagua is being threatened with apprehension because he claimed that some government officials were meeting with RFT and Al-Shabaab, which is true, and the evidence is there. If they really want Gachagua to record a statement, he will either issue it at the Senate or the ICC,” Malala said.
Murkomen responded to Gachagua’s allegations that senior government officials met with Al-Shabaab in Mandera, stating that the former DP will be required to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) upon his return.
“It’s no longer a joke who the former Deputy President is at the moment; most of you share posts of his messages and so forth, you are the ones who are encouraging a person who is unwell to continue saying more things that are going to hurt our country,” Murkomen said, warning Kenyans against sharing Gachagua’s videos on social media, which he said could threaten political, social, and security stability.
Gachagua confirmed on Thursday, August 14, that he had cut short his United States tour to prepare for upcoming by-elections, and is expected to return on Thursday, August 21.
“I had a very successful and fulfilling visit to the United States of America with serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora. I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining States since I need to get back home to join our party, DCP, in preparation for the upcoming by-elections in various parts of our country,” he said.
Malala also announced that supporters plan to welcome Gachagua at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday.
 deputy leader Cleophas Malala has warned that supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could stage protests and disrupt the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) matches if the government moves to arrest him upon his return.){kind=link}