Senator Roba Calls for Gachagua’s Arrest Over Al Shabaab Allegations

Mandera, Kenya-Mandera Senator Ali Roba has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua upon his return to the country, accusing him of spreading false and dangerous claims about President William Ruto.

Speaking on Thursday, Roba condemned Gachagua’s recent remarks alleging that President Ruto held a secret night meeting with Al Shabaab leaders during his visit to Mandera. The former DP claimed Ruto met three terror suspects and raised concerns over national security implications, especially with regard to U.S. relations.

Roba, who accompanied the President during the Mandera trip, rubbished the allegations, calling them “a desperate and dishonest attempt to mislead the public for cheap political gain.” He affirmed that President Ruto only engaged with officially recognised local leaders and the public in full view.

“The President’s itinerary was fully transparent. No private or suspicious meetings took place,” Roba stated. He labelled Gachagua “a serial purveyor of falsehoods” whose statements were not only reckless but also dangerous, especially for historically marginalised communities like those in Northern Kenya.

The Senator urged the DCI to summon Gachagua to provide evidence for his claims or face legal consequences. He further appealed to the U.S. government not to be misled by what he termed as unfounded allegations designed to stir unnecessary fear.

“To distort a legitimate presidential visit into a narrative of insecurity is not just dishonest — it’s deeply disrespectful,” Roba concluded.

Gachagua’s explosive claims, made on Wednesday, have since sparked national debate, with critics warning of the dangers of politicising terrorism-related issues for partisan purposes.