Editor's Review

“If these demonstrations are over and there are no issues, you will get your officers back and continue with life."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says Azimio leaders will have to show a commitment that they will not resume anti-government protests before they get their security back.

Speaking on Friday, August 18 in Uasin Gishu County, Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza government will review the opposition leaders’ security after they show good behavior.

“When they are of good behavior we shall review and we are reviewing. It’s not just governors, even presidential candidates, running mates and senior people including the former vice president and ministers,” Gachagua stated.

The second in command pointed out that the opposition coalition has been calm in recent days and their leaders will have their security restored once the government is sure they will not call for another set of protests.

“If these demonstrations are over and there are no issues, you will get your officers back and continue with life. That is all we are saying. From what I can see I think it looks like it’s over, once we are sure it is over you will have your officers back,” Gachagua added.

File image of Rigathi Gachagua. 

The DP further explained that the government withdrew the opposition leaders’ security to help other officers to deal with the nationwide anti-government protests last month.

Gachagua’s remarks come a week after Siaya Governor James Orengo said he will skip the Devolution Conference if the government does not restore the security of Azimio leaders.

“We have been told to go for a meeting for the council of governors and it is going to be opened by President Ruto… we the Azimio Governors are the only ones without security together with other Azimio politicians,” said Orengo.