They Were Expecting Payment - CS Murkomen on Chaos at DCP Launch

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has addressed the chaos that marred the launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), attributing it to a disagreement over alleged promised payments to supporters.

Speaking on Thursday, May 15, Murkomen said initial findings indicate that the fracas was caused by supporters who expected to be paid for attending the event.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the supporters were expecting to be paid, and as a result of fighting for those resources, there was a melee which led to a stampede, and some of the journalists covering the event were injured,” he said.

Murkomen also noted that the National Police Service (NPS) had not been informed about the gathering, limiting their ability to provide adequate security.

“Our National Police Service (NPS) is carrying out proper investigations to see what happened when those political leaders were launching their party.

"As I have enquired from NPS, there is no indication that they were notified of this meeting so that they can provide proper security," he added.

Murkomen emphasized the need for all political leaders to work with law enforcement when organizing public events, regardless of political affiliation.

“What is of significance is that we ask all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, to seek the services of NPS when they are having public events to secure and protect the public,” he further stated.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also addressed the chaos, calling for political maturity and tolerance.

In a statement on Thursday, May 15, Kindiki noted that insults and violence should not be used to settle political scores.

The DP further urged political leaders and supporters to uphold peace and dialogue even if they disagree on policy issues.

"Our country must exercise democratic tolerance and embrace issue-based politics. Insults, violence, and divisive rhetoric as a means of processing political differences of opinion have no place in our society.

"We owe to the current and future generations a nation built on peace, peaceful coexistence, and respect for one another even if we disagree on issues of policy," he said.

On his part, Gachagua blamed the government for the incident and asked President William Ruto to come to terms with the fact that he had lost the trust and support from Kenyans.

“Stop sending goons to attack me, my family, and supporters. We have rights and freedoms to enjoy like other Kenyans. Like a gentleman, just accept that you lost the trust and support of the people and move on,” he said in a statement.