The National Police Service has distanced itself from allegations that it plans to arrest Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, upon his arrival in Kenya.
Addressing the press on Thursday morning, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, said Gachagua's arrival in Kenya was an ordinary event and that the latter would be handled just like any other citizen.
He assured Kenyans of their safety, adding that the police service was fully in control and that any security breaches would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
However, Kanja noted that Gachagua, just like any other Kenyan citizen, was not above the law, and should any reports link him to any criminal activity, then necessary action would be taken.
"As the police service, we can tell you that Gachagua's arrival is something ordinary, just like any other Kenyan arriving in the country," Kanja stated.
"I want to remind you that our mandate is to ensure security in the country, and that all those who break the law will be dealt with per the law. So Gachagua's arrival is not a strange thing," he added.
Gachagua is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon, following the conclusion of his six-week tour in the United States.
Kanja's statement comes hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned DCP members against disrupting public order upon the arrival of their party leader.
Murkomen stated that the government was prepared to take legal action against opposition leaders who would be caught mobilising supporters to disrupt businesses within the city.
"The last time he was around, there were disruptions in the name of protest. This time round, we are prepared, and the police will protect the citizens of Kenya," Murkomen said.
Meanwhile, DCP, in a rebuttal, has launched a counter-claim, accusing the government of allegedly preparing to send goons to disrupt Gachagua's arrival procession.
Speaking to members of the press on Wednesday, August 20, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala claimed the scheme to deploy goons was reached during a supposed night meeting between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
"We have been informed that the Nairobi County Governor and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen held several meetings and have activated their state-sponsored goons to cause harm to innocent citizens," Malala alleged.
“This is done in connection with George Aladwa and the Dagoretti North MP, Beatrice Elachi. The duo have expressed instructions to the goons to loot, destroy property and harm people,” he added.
