Gachagua Explains Reason For Heavy Security In Nairobi Despite Raila-Ruto Truce

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, April 3 divulged that police officers would still be deployed in parts of the country despite a truce brokered by President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga.

The DP stated in another post arriving at his office at 5.30 am that the heavy security was part of the initial plans for the demonstrations that were to take place today before Raila called them off.

Gachagua was not sure about the complete calm in the country despite taking note of Kenyans braving the rain to get to their places of work within the city.

Police officers in Nairobi during the Azimio demonstrations. /FILE

He reiterated that security still remained on high alert even though Raila called off the demonstrations on Sunday, April 2 for at least a week.

"As I drove through the city on my way to work early this morning, I was amazed by the resilience of the Kenyan people. Despite the heavy downpour, Kenyans are briskly walking to work as drivers beat the traffic jam and drainage challenges. 

"With the calling off of the demonstrations and violence, I urge all Kenyans to go back to work and resume their businesses with vigour and alacrity. Aware that hooligans who were set to take advantage of the chaos to loot and steal could still be prepared to continue, our security officers are vigilant and on full alert," he wrote in part.

Stating the need for full deployment, Gachagua moved to reduce fears amongst Kenyans regarding riots, assuring them of increased security.

"All lawbreakers will be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law. I am happy our economy that had started showing signs of recovery is now back on track," he added.

Gachagua on April 2 moved to congratulate Raila over his decision to stand down from the demonstrations, hours after the former Prime Minister's address at Capitol Hill.

"I salute Hon Raila Odinga for calling off demonstrations and violence and choosing to pursue his issues in Parliament in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya. That is Statesmanship," he wrote in part.

This is after he gave Azimio an ultimatum of one day to call off the demonstrations lest it faces the full force of the government.

His remarks were followed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) arrest of 14 suspects in Kisumu and Migori counties following the violence witnessed in those areas.

“I want to caution those young men, who have been taking advantage of the violence unleashed by Raila to steal property, mug people and loot property, that Monday (April 3) is their last day to do so," he addressed during a church event in Malava, Kakamega County.

While responding to President Ruto's call to engage the government on other important matters, Raila further called for the halting of all arrests and prosecutions in relation to the protests.

"William Ruto has issued what I regard as an important statement, we have met and listened to a lot of people, including religious leaders, and they have implored us to give dialogue a chance," he said.

"We acknowledge the olive branch on dialogue, this is a positive development. We agree to a balanced parliamentary proceed co-chaired by both sides, this committee must be done immediately, including all arrests and prosecution related to demos."

Raila Odinga and William Ruto when they met at Windsor hotel on June 29, 2022. /K24 DIGITAL