Gachagua’s return: Murkomen denies knowledge of heavy police deployment at JKIA
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 21, 2025Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said he was not aware of the heavy police deployment witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s arrival on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Speaking in Nyeri during a security forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Murkomen responded to a journalist who asked about the large security presence seen at the airport.
“You are the one who has informed me that there is a heavy deployment. I was also not aware,” he said.
The CS went on to explain that the National Police Service is a decentralised institution that does not always need clearance from top officials for routine operations. According to him, police officers across the country are empowered to act independently to maintain law and order.
“Generally, police, even the IG, don’t have to know about that deployment in a particular place. Police officers everywhere can do their job and later report to the IG through the required channels,” Murkomen explained.
He assured Kenyans that security agencies remain alert to prevent any breaches of peace, especially during politically charged moments such as Gachagua’s homecoming.
“The National Police Service is always on alert to make sure that any incident that could lead to a breach of peace is addressed according to the law so that Kenyans can continue pursuing their political, social, and economic objectives in a peaceful environment,” he added.
Heavy security at JKIA
Earlier in the day, there had been reports of a large police presence around JKIA and along Mombasa Road. Anti-riot police, water cannons, and General Service Unit (GSU) squads were deployed at key access points as thousands of Gachagua’s supporters gathered to welcome him back from a four-week tour of the United States.
Helicopters were seen hovering over the area as security agencies attempted to manage growing crowds amid fears of confrontation between rival groups. Some journalists and motorists reported disruptions and diversions as police worked to maintain order.
Despite speculation that Gachagua might be apprehended on arrival, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja earlier dismissed the claims, saying his return was “an ordinary event” that would be treated like that of any other citizen.
Murkomen, however, maintained that the government would act firmly if the mobilisation of supporters degenerated into lawlessness but insisted his ministry had no prior details on the scale of the JKIA deployment.