The National Police Service and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have issued a response to Rigathi Gachagua after the former Deputy President claimed there have been several attempts on his life.
In a statement, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, asked Gachagua to notify the police of his movements to allow officers to plan his security.”In light of Gachagua’s security concerns, he is advised to liaise with police officers at all levels should he require additional security measures and notify the police in advance of his movements and public engagements to facilitate proper planning and coordination of his security arrangements,” the NPS said in a statement.
Murkomen, on the other hand, took a subtle dig at Gachagua, saying, “We must respect our police officers.”
On Tuesday, Gachagua issued a statement directly addressing Kanja, accusing the IG of deliberately withdrawing his security detail, leaving him vulnerable to a series of attacks since his impeachment.
Gachagua further issued four demands to the IG, calling for his protection and the reinstatement of his security detail, as well as protection when he attends public functions.
However, in a rejoinder, the NPS further assured the public that the security situation in the country remained stable, insisting that there were proactive measures in place to prevent rogue activities.
The NPS added: “As a service, we remain apolitical and steadfast in proactively deploying intelligence-led measures to preempt and respond to security threats through multi-agency approaches, while strictly upholding the rule of law and human rights.”
The NPS’s statement came just moments after Murkomen also subtly responded to Gachagua while speaking during a farewell ceremony for the late ambassador John Koech in Olbutyo, Bomet County.Without mentioning names, Murkomen alluded to leaders in the country who allegedly try to discredit authorities in a bid to seek sympathy.
“Under your leadership, Mr President, we will work hard in the security sector to ensure that there is order in the country,” Murkomen said. “And we will also deal with others who organise noise to seek sympathy. Because we do not want people to create chaos in the country.”
The CS also hit back at the former DP as he accused him of consistently disrespecting the police hierarchy.
The Interior CS added; “We must respect our police officers. Some people think our police officers are people to be reprimanded.”
Further, Murkomen urged leaders who felt their security and safety were at stake to liaise with authorities, especially during public functions where they will be in attendance.
“If you are a leader and you have a function and you think that you need our support, write to the Inspector General of Police; work with the police team on the ground,” Murkomen said, adding, “We want a country that is respecting law and order.”
Besides Gachagua, several other leaders have decried their safety in recent weeks, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who expressed fears that individuals have been sent to intimidate or even harm him following his numerous bold remarks.
The governor alleged that people have been recruited to ‘follow him around’, incite residents against him, and create a platform for him to be provoked for not ‘singing praises’ to President Ruto.
In another instance, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba claimed there were ‘mercenaries’ deployed to intimidate her after honouring a DCI summon on April 7.
