Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied prior knowledge of the heavy police deployment witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as authorities prepared for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's scheduled return from the United States.
Speaking on Thursday, August 21, Murkomen claimed he was unaware of the extensive security arrangements around the airport and major access routes.
"You're the one who has informed me that there is a heavy deployment. I was also not aware," Murkomen stated when questioned about the security presence at JKIA.
The Interior CS explained that the National Police Service operates on a decentralized system where local commanders can deploy officers without necessarily informing the Inspector General of Police or his office.
"Generally, police, even the IG, don't have to know about that deployment in a particular place. The National Police Service is decentralized, and everybody will do their job unless they seek specific requests from the IG that there is a need for enforcement," Murkomen explained.
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He emphasized that police officers at all levels are mandated to conduct law enforcement operations and report through established channels without requiring prior approval from senior officials.
"I must assure Kenyans that National Police Service is always on alert to make sure that any person or any incident that is going to lead to breach of peace is addressed according to the law so that Kenyans can continue pursuing their political, social, and economic objectives in a peaceful environment," he stated.
On Thursday, heavy security arrangements with multiple units of personnel, including regular police, General Service Unit (GSU), and military officers, were witnessed around the airport and along Mombasa Road.
Photos showed armored trucks, water cannons, and heavily armed officers taking positions around the international airport.
Police trucks carrying personnel were observed along key access routes, while specialized police vehicles, including riot control units, were deployed at Terminal 1B, where international flights arrive.
The massive security deployment came amid the DCP party's planned activities to receive Gachagua at the airport. The party had announced elaborate plans, including receiving the former Deputy President at JKIA at noon, followed by a procession through Nairobi's Central Business District, and culminating in a public rally at Kamukunji grounds.
Earlier, Murkomen had issued warnings regarding political gatherings, emphasizing that such activities must follow established protocols, including proper notification to police authorities.
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