Murkomen denies knowledge of heavy police deployment at JKIA

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he arrived in Nairobi after his US tour. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied being aware of the heavy police deployment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's return from a three-week trip to the United States.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Murkomen said neither he nor Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had prior knowledge of the deployment.

"You are the one informing me that there is a heavy deployment. I was not aware. Even the IG does not have to know about deployment in a particular place," Murkomen said.

He explained that the National Police Service is decentralized, and officers may carry out law enforcement duties without first seeking clearance from the IG, provided they report through the proper channels.

"The IG generally does not have to be consulted before every police operation. Officers are empowered to act and later report through the required structures," he added.

Anti-riot police dropped at terminal 1B (International arrivals) at JKIA

Video: Geff Kirui pic.twitter.com/PuA3wlFmXH - The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 21, 2025

Murkomen assured that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to safeguarding the rights of all Kenyans to pursue their political, social, and economic activities in a peaceful environment.

Earlier, The Standard observed a heavy police presence at JKIA ahead of Gachagua's arrival.

Regular and anti-riot units from the General Service Unit were stationed in lorries, while water cannons were parked at the airport entrance.