Malala sensationally alleges State plot to arrest, harm Gachagua when he returns next Thursday
He claims they have received intelligence reports of plans to actualise his arrest for linking Ruto to Al Shabaab during US tour
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to return to the country next Thursday after cutting short his two-month tour of the United States to return home in order to offer leadership to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the November 27 by-elections scheduled.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said Gachagua is scheduled to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 12 pm.
While announcing his decision on social media earlier, Gachagua had revealed that his itinerary will be made public, in an apparent move to dare police to arrest him after he declined a call by Deputy President
Kithure Kindiki and Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen that he records a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over his claims that President William Ruto met Al Shabaab elements during a tour of Mandera.
Malala sensationally claimed that they have received intelligence reports of plans to actualise the arrest the former DP with a view of plotting his assassination by poisoning while in custody before eventually placing him under house arrest so as to cut him off from his supporters and deny him the right to address the nation.
Malala also claimed there are plans to divert Gachagua’s flight to Mombasa or Kisumu International Airport so that they deny him an opportunity to give a much anticipated address to the nation.
“This disruptive plan by a paranoid regime will not only disrupt the travel plans of innocent passengers but also risk damaging Kenya’s foreign relations. Our message is simple: we will not be intimidated. If they divert the plane, our supporters in Kisumu and Mombasa will turn those airports into oceans of DCP colours and defiance,” he said.
“This threat is not new. It is part of a sustained campaign to cripple the opposition with brutality. Our leaders have been tear-gassed, beaten, and humiliated in several parts of the country including: Kakamega, Subukia, Gilgil, Murang’a, and even within the walls of sacred places of worship. This is the mark of a regime
that fears the people’s will and seeks to drown it in violence,” the former Kakamega Senator added.
“We are calling upon our supporters in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa to turn up in unprecedented numbers. This is not just a welcome – it is a statement to the world that Kenya belongs to her people, not to a clique of power-hungry men who weaponise the state against its citizens.”
He said Gachagua decided to cut short his trip to return home and give leadership in the coming by-elections.
“This is a moment of reckoning – I urge all DCP supporters and Kenyans yearning for change to turn up in large numbers at JKIA to welcome our beloved leader-your presence is your power, your numbers are
your shield, your unity is our victory.”
DCP has announced it will field candidates in all the 22 mini-polls in what is see as a test run for the recently-formed party in readiness for a showdown with President Ruto’s UDA in the 2027 General Election.
The November by-elections include those for the Baringo Senate seat, MPs for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, Ugunja.
Sixteen wards across the country are also expected to elect new MCAs after their ward representatives either passed away or lost their seats through court petitions.
They include Kabuchai in Bungoma, Angata Nanyokie in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny in Nandi County, Chewani in Tana River County, Fafi in Garissa County, Kariobangi North in Nairobi City County, Kisa East in Kakamega County, and Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Mumbuni North in Machakos County; Narok Town in Narok County; Purko in Kajiado County; Tembelio in Uasin Gishu County; Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo in Nyamira County; Lake Zone and Nanaam Wa in Turkana County residents will also elect new MCAs.
The campaign period for the by-elections will be between October 8 and November 24.
Political parties and candidates shall appoint and submit the names of their Election Agents to the Commission by November 11.
IEBC shall also use the certified register of voters published on June 2022.
Apart from by-election campaigns, Gachagua’s imminent return to the country is set to reignite activities within the Opposition, which have been rather low-key in the last one month.
