A section of leaders from Trans Nzoia have strongly opposed plans to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is set to return to Kenya from the United States on Thursday.
The leaders have voiced their concerns, labeling the potential arrest as a threat to democracy and an unwarranted attack on free speech.
John Njuguna, a parliamentary hopeful for Cherangany, led the charge, stating that arresting Gachagua for statements he made abroad would be a dangerous precedent.
"You can't arrest Gachagua over remarks he made in the USA when he comes back to Kenya. This is not democracy," Njuguna declared in Kitale, urging the government to respect the right to free expression.
Meanwhile, Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the Democratic Citizens Party, further stirred the pot by alleging that a plot was in place to detain Gachagua the moment his plane lands. He claimed there were plans to divert the former Deputy President’s flight to either Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Kisumu International Airport for his apprehension.
Malala, however, assured Gachagua’s supporters that they would be ready to stand guard at the airports, ready to prevent any attempt at detention.
"Any attempt to apprehend Gachagua once he lands in the country will be met by our supporters across the country, and we have asked our supporters to be on standby," Malala said, adding that they would not let the government violate their rights.
The rift stems from controversial statements made by Gachagua during his ongoing tour in the United States. Gachagua recently claimed that President William Ruto met with three Al-Shabaab militia leaders in Mandera to discuss "business," a statement that raised serious concerns regarding national security.
Additionally, Gachagua accused the government of allegedly removing the vetting requirement for non-Kenyans seeking Kenyan identity cards. He warned that this could allow suspected terrorists to obtain IDs and gain entry into the country, as well as infiltrate other nations, including the United States.
In response to these allegations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on Gachagua to record a statement with security agencies upon his return to Kenya. Murkomen emphasized that the government would need to follow due process regarding the serious security claims raised by the former Deputy President.
The drama surrounding Gachagua's return has ignited a fierce political debate, with Gema leaders rallying behind him and expressing alarm over what they perceive as a government crackdown on dissenting voices. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Thursday’s return, with the potential for large crowds of supporters at Kenyan airports.