Malala Warns Of Protests, CHAN 2024 Disruptions If Gachagua Is Arrested
Malala warned that the unrest could break out on Friday, August 22, possibly discouraging fans from attending the CHAN quarter-final matches at Kasarani Stadium.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has cautioned that arresting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua upon his return could trigger protests from his supporters, potentially disrupting the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In an interview with Radio Citizen on Monday, August 18, Malala warned that the unrest could break out on Friday, August 22, possibly discouraging fans from attending the CHAN quarter-final matches at Kasarani Stadium.
He added that detaining Gachagua during a period when Kenya is in the global spotlight for the football tournament would damage the president’s image internationally.
Cleophas Malala speaking during a DCP Party grassroot popularization drive at Imenti North Constituency, Meru County on August 10, 2025. /CLEOPHAS MALALA
"If you apprehend Rigathi Gachagua the following day, you will see demonstrations, and yet the Harambee Stars will be playing on Friday, because I'm sure that if Gachagua is apprehended, we will not be able to see the Harambee Stars play on Friday for the quarter finals," Malala said.
"If Gachagua is apprehended for even a single day, Thika Road will be impassable and there will be chaos, which will prevent people from watching the games. You cannot apprehend Gachagua and then the country keeps quiet."
Malala, while faulting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for insisting that Rigathi Gachagua explain his recent controversial remarks, said the former Deputy President could opt to present his statement either to the International Criminal Court or to the Senate.
"Gachagua is being threatened with apprehension because he claimed that some government officials were meeting with RFT and Al-Shabaab, which is true, and the evidence is there. If they really want Gachagua to record a statement, he will either issue it at the senate or the ICC," Malala claimed.
Addressing Gachagua’s allegations that top government officials held meetings with Al-Shabaab in Mandera, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced in a press briefing on Monday, August 11, that the former Deputy President will have to give a statement to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations once he returns to the country.
Murkomen also cautioned Kenyans against circulating Gachagua’s videos on social media, warning that such actions could undermine the nation’s political, social, and security stability.
"It's no longer a joke who the former Deputy President is at the moment; most of you share posts of his messages and so forth, you are the ones who are encouraging a person who is unwell to continue saying more things that are going to hurt our country," Murkomen said.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued early Thursday, August 14, Gachagua said he was ending his month-long tour of the United States ahead of schedule to prepare for the upcoming by-elections.
He apologised for any inconvenience caused and noted that he plans to resume the tour in early 2026. Gachagua had departed for the trip on July 9, with the visit initially scheduled to run for two months.
"I had a very successful and fulfilling visit to the United States of America with serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora. I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining States since I need to get back home to join our party, DCP PARTY, in preparation for the upcoming By-Elections in various parts of our country," he revealed in part.
"I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organisers and Kenyans whom I were to meet; the same has been rescheduled for early next year."
Malala, on his part, stated that his supporters will turn out in large numbers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday to receive him upon his return.
Rigathi Gachagua arriving at San Francisco City, California, USA on August 7, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA
