Gachagua must record statement over al-Shabaab remarks– CS Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has demanded that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua record a statement with security agencies over remarks linking top leaders to alleged meetings with al-Shabaab militants.

Gachagua, currently on a tour in the United States, recently claimed that a certain senior official had met al-Shabaab representatives in Mandera and allegedly struck a business deal with the outlawed group.

Speaking in Keiyo South Constituency during an Economic Empowerment Engagement for Small-Scale Traders and Boda Boda SACCOs, attended by Deputy President Kiture Kindiki, Murkomen termed Gachagua’s allegations “insensitive” and “damaging” to the country’s image.

“When you (DP Kindiki) were the Minister for Interior, you carried yourself with utmost respect for this country and the people of Kenya,” Murkomen said.

 “I saw another man who sat where you were sitting the other day, disparaging our country, talking about issues of insecurity as though it’s a joke. To the extent that he thinks he can parade issues of terrorism in America for political mileage is unacceptable.”

Murkomen insisted that Gachagua must provide evidence for his claims once he returns to the country.

“Your Excellency (Kindiki), we want to say without fear of contradiction, because he has said he has information and knows who was in meetings with al-Shabaab, that as soon as he lands in Kenya, he must record a statement to tell us exactly what meetings he is talking about,” Murkomen said.

The CS criticised what he described as reckless statements by leaders seeking political advantage at the expense of national security, warning that Kenya’s fight against terrorism should not be politicised.

“This country we have joked for far too long,” Murkomen added.

“We must carry ourselves with the responsibility that comes with public office. If you aspire to lead, you must safeguard the integrity and security of the nation.” 

Kindiki, on his part, said security agencies must take action against the former DP who made claims of terrorism during his ongoing trip in the US.

“I hear there is a leader who spoke outside the country and said he had information which can help us in fighting Al Shabab because they have details on who and where plans to terrorise Kenya are being made,” said Kinidiki.

He said those with such information must be made to record statements with the relevant agencies so that the same can be investigated.

He said Kenya had suffered alot due to terrorism and that security issues should not be turned into jokes or politicised for selfish gains.