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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has set conditions for the Democratic Citizen Party's planned rally at Kamukunji grounds, demanding proper police notification.
Speaking in Nyandarua on Wednesday, August 20, Murkomen emphasized that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his party must follow established protocols for any political gatherings to proceed legally.
The Interior CS made it clear that the planned Kamukunji rally on Thursday, August 21, can only proceed if the DCP has notified the police of adequate security deployment.
"If they have given the notification, of course, we have no issue with any person, any political party, any politician calling for a meeting, just need them to notify the police and they must ensure that their meeting is peaceful and does not lead to situations of disrupting the peace for others or burning of property or looting or violence," Murkomen stated.
Murkomen emphasized that the government will not permit public rallies that could disrupt peace and business operations in Nairobi.
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In a stern warning to potential troublemakers, Murkomen threatened to invoke terrorism charges against anyone who engages in the destruction of property or violence during the planned events.
"If you burn a police station, you burn government cars, whether it's county or national, you burn a police office, you burn somebody's supermarket, there is no other charge that we can bring before the court. The best charge now is those related to terror because that is exactly what you are doing," the Interior CS warned.
The ultimatum comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding Gachagua's anticipated return. The former Deputy President announced on August 14 that he would cut short his United States tour to return home and prepare for upcoming by-elections across the country.
“I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organizers and Kenyans whom I were to meet; the same has been rescheduled to early next year,” Gachagua stated.
The DCP had previously announced ambitious plans for "a mother of all peaceful processions" beginning from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, proceeding through the Central Business District, and culminating in a public rally at the historic Kamukunji grounds.
The government's conditions come as DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala earlier in the day accused the government of orchestrating plans to deploy state-sponsored militia to disrupt their peaceful activities.
"Unfortunately, last night, we were informed that the Nairobi County Governor, in cohorts with the CS for Interior, Mr Kipchumba Murkomen, held several meetings and has activated their state-sponsored goons to cause harm to innocent citizens," Malala claimed. "This is being done by one Chief of Staff, one David, in connection with the following members of Parliament, George Aladwa and the Dagoretti North MP, Mama Beatrice Elachi."
