Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has joined the growing calls for the arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of endangering national security through reckless remarks.

Speaking on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during the Keiyo South Constituency Economic Empowerment Engagement in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kindiki condemned leaders who make unverified statements touching on security matters.

“If their agenda is insults, let them continue with insults, but they should not use that space to compromise national security,” Kindiki said in Kiswahili. He stressed that Kenya has suffered for years from terrorism, cattle rustling and other serious crimes, and such issues must not be turned into political games.

The DP’s comments follow Gachagua’s recent claims, made outside Kenya, that President William Ruto had met Al Shabaab leaders during a trip to Mandera County.

Kindiki said any person claiming to possess information about terrorists or dangerous criminals must be held accountable and compelled to record a statement with the relevant authorities.

“They must help us investigate and protect Kenya. Otherwise, they should face legal action,” he warned.

Roba dismisses terror claims

Mandera Senator Ali Roba had earlier, on Thursday, August 7, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to arrest Gachagua once he returns to Kenya. Roba dismissed the former DP’s statements as false and politically motivated.

“As a leader who personally accompanied the President, I affirm without fear of contradiction that he only met officially recognised Mandera leaders and the public in open forums,” Roba said. He described Gachagua’s statementd as a “shameful fabrication” aimed at misleading Kenyans and stirring division.

The Senator also urged the United States government to ignore Gachagua’s claims, warning that such rhetoric undermines efforts to foster peace and stability in historically marginalised regions.

Gachagua, however, has stood by his statement, insisting that Ruto met three Al Shabaab leaders at night during the Mandera visit and raising concerns that suspected terrorists could be registered as Kenyans.

“We want to know why you are working with Al Shabaab. When you were in Mandera, you met three Al Shabaab leaders at night,” Gachagua claimed.

The accusations have sparked sharp political debate, with security experts cautioning that public statements about terrorism must be backed by evidence to avoid causing fear and undermining intelligence operations.

Kindiki reiterated that national security should be treated with the utmost seriousness and separated from everyday political disputes.

“We must distinguish national security from politics,” he said, warning that anyone jeopardising the safety of Kenyans would face consequences.