Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, against interfering with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.
Speaking in Murang'a during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 19, Murkomen claimed that the National Police Service will reinforce security to ensure that no disruptions will happen when Harambee Stars face Madagascar in the quarter-finals.
"I want to thank the National Police Service for doing a fantastic job to secure Kasarani on Sunday to ensure that we abide by the CAF rule, and we know that on Friday we will have a very big match, and i want to assure the citizens of Kenya that we will do the same in the upcoming game," Murkomen stated.
"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," he warned.
Murkomen, who also encouraged Kenyans to continue supporting the national team, assured that the government is still waiting for directions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure that they erect the necessary security protocols to ensure that the match is seamless.
"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," Murkomen stated.
The Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) leader is expected to touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, August 21, after his United States trip.
In a statement on Monday, August 18, DCP Deputy Party leader Clephas Malala said that thousands of supporters will gather at the airport at 8am to receive Gachagua.
Malala claimed that Gachagua will then lead "a mother of all peaceful processions" from the airport, head to the CBD, and then make his way to Kamukunji grounds, where he will address a rally.
According to Malala, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has already been informed about the procession. Malala noted that the police should refrain from interrupting the activity and instead provide security.
In a statement the same day, Malala cautioned the government against apprehending Gachagua upon his return, stressing that this move could in turn trigger protests and disrupt the ongoing tournaments.
"If you apprehend Rigathi Gachagua the following day, you will see demonstrations, and yet the Harambee Stars will be playing on Friday, because I'm sure that if Gachagua is apprehended, we will not be able to see the Harambee Stars play on Friday for the quarter finals," Malala said.
