Kindiki, Murkomen want Gachagua to record statement on terrorism claim

Speaking at Sitotwo Primary School during a women and boda boda riders empowerment fundraising, the leaders said the allegations by Mr Gachagua on terrorism while in the US are grievous and a threat to national security.

Prof Kindiki said the former Deputy President has gone overboard by speaking recklessly on matters of the country’s security while in a foreign nation.

“I hear there is a leader who spoke outside Kenya and said they have information that will help us pre-empt any attack by Al Shabaab because they have information on who and where plans to terrorize Kenyans are being made.

We want to ask the relevant agencies to make sure that the people saying they have such information on terrorists and criminals must be held accountable and they must record statements so they help us on the issue and protect Kenyan from bandits, criminals and terrorists,” Prof Kindiki said.

He added: “We don’t have any problem with those travelling outside the country as tourists or any other assignment but we must be patriotic and differentiate between the ruling government and the nation. Governments come and go but the nation remains forever. The nation of Kenya is bigger than any government. We have had five governments since independence and we will have many more. Those travelling outside the country should respect the nation of Kenya.”

Prof Kindiki said such talk was dangerous.

“They can insult the President, the Deputy President if that is the agenda they have but they should not use that opportunity to destabilize national security or engage in petty talk about the nation’s security. We have suffered immensely from terrorists, bandits and other hardcore criminals. We can’t politicize such serious matters. We must distinguish security matters from everyday politics,” Prof Kindiki said.

While echoing the same, Mr Murkomen said the former Deputy President must account for his utterances by writing a statement about what he knows in relation to terrorism and other security issues in the country.

Terrorism

"We are waiting for Gachagua to record a statement on what he knows about terrorism, as he alleged while in the US. As soon as he arrives at the airport from the US, he must be held accountable by writing a statement to shed light on what he knows about Al-Shabaab and other terrorist acts," said Mr Murkomen.

He said it was unfortunate that the former Deputy President had gone to parade issues of terrorism in the US, insisting that he must record a statement on the issues he raised while abroad as soon as he lands at the airport from the US.

His sentiments were echoed by legislators from Elgeyo Marakwet, led by Woman Representative Caroline Ng'elechei, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, among others, who supported the call to implore Mr Gachagua to record a statement on his terrorism allegations.

Prof Kindiki rubbished those watering down President Ruto’s development record, claiming that President Ruto has done a lot in development in less than three years of his leadership.

He challenged Kenyans to give President Ruto another term for more development projects across the country.

At the same time, Prof Kindiki expressed confidence in his successor, Mr Murkomen, to tackle banditry and cattle rustling in Kerio Valley. Kindiki, who previously led peace restoration efforts as Interior CS, believes a strong foundation has been established to ensure peace and security in the region.

The deputy president declared that security has been restored in Baringo and Kerio Valley, allowing development projects to move forward.

He emphasised the government's commitment to implementing major projects outlined in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, including roads, water, electricity, markets, schools, and hospitals.

Prof Kindiki's confidence in Murkomen's ability to eradicate banditry and cattle rustling stems from the progress made so far. The government has invested in security equipment modernisation, with a Sh12 billion program to equip officers and enhance their capabilities.

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