Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a warning ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 19, Murkomen stated that no disruption linked to political tensions would be tolerated during the tournament.
"Any interference from political actors, both in the country and those who are coming in, will not be tolerated during this match. We want peace to prevail in our nation,” the CS stated.
Murkomen further noted that the government is working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure order during the match while rallying Kenyans to throw their full support behind Harambee Stars.
"We are waiting for the directions to the CAF, and once that is done, we will ask Kenyans again to ensure that they support Harambee Stars and ensure that they abide by the rules, and see how seamless it will be," the CS added.
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Gachagua is expected to jet into the county on Thursday, August 21, after prematurely ending his tour in the United States.
In a presser on Monday, August 18, the Democratic Citizen Party of Kenya (DCP) urged Kenyans to mobilize and gather at strategic locations to receive the former DP.
Deputy party leader, Cleophas Malala, confirmed that Gachagua's return remains on schedule and called for massive public support during his arrival.
"Last week, we announced that our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, will return to the nation on Thursday, 21st August at noon from the United States of America. We want to confirm that his return is still as scheduled," he said.
Malala called on Kenyans to converge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from 8 AM to receive Gachagua, with plans for what they described as 'a mother of all peaceful processions'.
"The procession will begin from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Central Business District (CBD) and later address a public rally at the hallowed Kamkunji grounds," he added.
Malala also assured supporters that the DCP had notified the Inspector General of Police about the planned activities and demanded security provision in advance.
"The police are hereby notified to provide security, and they should not dare to demonstrate against the people of Kenya," he further said.
While announcing Gachagua's return on Thursday, August 14, Malala warned of an alleged state-backed plot to abduct the former DP, citing arrest threats issued by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Malala further claimed that the party had received intelligence indicating a possible assassination attempt.
"While our Party Leader was abroad forging a path for democratic renewal, the regime was hatching a dangerous and cold-blooded plot. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen have shamelessly issued public threats to arrest H.E. Gachagua upon arrival.
"Intelligence reaching us points to a scheme so evil, so cowardly, that it chills the soul: their intent is to subject him to slow and silent assassination by poisoning – the very same cruel method once inflicted on the late Kenneth Matiba while in state custody. This is not hearsay. It is a deliberate plot to silence the voice of the people by physically destroying its leader," the statement read in part.
DCP called on supporters to turn out in large numbers at JKIA and other airports should Gachagua's flight be diverted.
"Our message is simple: we will not be intimidated. If they divert the plane, our supporters in Kisumu and Mombasa will turn those airports into oceans of DCP colours and defiance.
"We are calling upon our supporters in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa to turn up in unprecedented numbers. This is not just a welcome – it is a statement to the world that Kenya belongs to her people, not to a clique of power-hungry men who weaponise the state against its citizens," the statement added.
