Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to arrest him upon his return to Kenya, after making explosive allegations in the US linking President William Ruto to terrorism.

Speaking at a diaspora townhall meeting at Holy Names University in San Francisco, California, Gachagua dismissed Murkomen’s demand that he record a statement immediately after landing back in the country.

“I am not a leader who buys fear. I am not the one who has launched investigations against William Ruto. It is the Senate of the United States,” Gachagua said. 

“I have nothing useful to tell him (Murkomen). But if the Americans want me to assist in investigations, I would because that is where the investigations are.” 

Gachagua accused Murkomen of exerting control over the National Police Service, despite the government’s repeated assertions that security agencies operate independently.

In a veiled challenge to the government to arrest him, he said he would publicly share his return date, time, and flight details once confirmed.

He went on, “When my day to go to Kenya is due, I will announce the date, the hour and the flight number so that whoever is interested in arresting me can go ahead and do it.” 

While addressing a Democracy for Citizens Party event in Nyeri, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto held a secret meeting with Al-Shabaab operatives in Mandera, a town near the Kenya–Somalia border. He claimed the meeting raised major concerns over national security and the country’s counterterrorism strategy.

In response, Murkomen accused Gachagua of damaging Kenya’s reputation during his US visit, alleging that he made light of serious security issues.

“I want to say, without fear of contradiction, because he has said that he has information and he knows, and that he has an agent who is holding meetings with Al-Shabaab, as soon as he lands in Kenya, he must record a statement to tell us exactly which meetings he is having with terrorists,” Murkomen stated. 

Gachagua insists he was merely supporting the U.S. Senate’s decision to reassess Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

Kenya was granted MNNA status under the Joe Biden administration during President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington in May 2024—the first such visit in 15 years.

Over a year later, U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over whether Nairobi still merits the status, as reflected in an August congressional amendment. Introduced by Senator James Risch, the amendment outlines seven areas for review, including Kenya’s role in combating violent extremism, contributing to peacekeeping efforts in Africa and Haiti, and its military and security ties with countries such as China, Russia, and Iran.

The move is seen as a direct U.S. response to Kenya’s ongoing relations with global powers like China, which has been locked in prolonged tariff disputes with Washington.