Nairobi, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to arrest him upon his return to Kenya, following his controversial remarks in the United States linking President William Ruto to terrorism.
Speaking during a diaspora town hall at Holy Names University in San Francisco, California, Gachagua dismissed Murkomen’s demand that he record a statement immediately after landing in the country.
“I am not a leader who buys fear. I am not the one who has launched investigations against William Ruto. It is the Senate of the United States,” Gachagua said.
“I have nothing useful to tell him. But if the Americans want me to assist in investigations, I would because that is where the investigations are.”
“I’ll Publish My Flight Details”
In a direct dare to the government, Gachagua said he would publicly share the date, hour, and flight number of his return so that “whoever is interested in arresting me can go ahead and do it.”
He also accused Murkomen of exerting control over the National Police Service, despite repeated government assurances that security agencies operate independently.
Origin of the Dispute
The standoff stems from Gachagua’s earlier claim that President Ruto held meetings with Al-Shabaab militia leaders during a trip to Mandera County.
Murkomen responded by accusing Gachagua of damaging Kenya’s reputation abroad and trivializing national security.
“He has said he has information and knows, and that he has an agent meeting with Al-Shabaab. As soon as he lands in Kenya, he must record a statement to tell us exactly which meetings he is having with terrorists,” Murkomen stated.
U.S. Senate Review of Kenya’s MNNA Status
Gachagua insists his comments were in support of the U.S. Senate’s decision to review Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) — a status granted in May 2024 during President Ruto’s state visit to Washington, the first by a Kenyan leader in 15 years.
The review follows an August congressional amendment by Senator James Risch, which outlines seven areas of concern — from Kenya’s counterterrorism record and peacekeeping efforts in Africa and Haiti, to its security engagements with China, Russia, and Iran.
Analysts say the move reflects Washington’s unease over Nairobi’s continued ties with Beijing, especially amid ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions.
