Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has weighed in on the chaos that was witnessed during Rigathi Gachagua's launch of his new political vehicle, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
While speaking after the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Isiolo County on Thursday, May 15, Murkomen appeared to shift the blame onto Gachagua's camp, as he claimed the National Police Service (NPS) was not notified of any party launch.
Murkomen insisted that it was well within Gachagua's right to launch his political party, but was adamant the former DP did not follow the correct procedures when it came to enhancing security during the event at its headquarters in Lavington.
"As the national security team, we believe that the stability of our country is based on having a working democracy that allows everybody to exercise their political rights free from interference," the CS said.
"Unfortunately, as I have enquired from the NPS, there is no indication that the National Police Service were notified of this meeting so that they can provide security."
On Thursday, moments after Gachagua and other senior DCP officials left the event venue, a scuffle broke out, with witnesses reporting that several individuals in civilian clothes fired shots into the air, presumably to disperse the crowd.
The incident was also marked by scenes of people running for their safety, while several individuals were spotted physically assaulting attendees of the party launch. Journalists who attended the event were also subjected to instances of intimidation.
Murkomen confirmed that investigations into the incident were underway, although he strongly suggested the chaos might have stemmed from Gachagua's own camp.
"Preliminary investigations also indicate some of these supporters at this function were expecting to be paid an amount, and as a result of fighting for these resources, there was a melee which led to a stampede and some individuals in civilian clothes fired in the air," Murkomen added.
"Investigations are going on to establish who they are and why they did what they did."
Events where the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in attendance are increasingly becoming synonymous with chaos, with the latest fracas coming weeks after another similar incident during a church service in Mwiki.
During the event, goons reportedly attempted to infiltrate the church and once again, Gachagua's security detail fired in the air. The DCI later shared a statement blaming the former DP for failing to notify authorities of his presence at a local church function.
Gachagua and his new party members are set to host a bigger launch event on June 4, with interim deputy party leader Cleophas Malala urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers.
