We don't need Murkomen's permission to assemble, Malala on Gachagua's return

Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has dismissed remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, insisting that they do not need his permission to hold a political gathering.

He said it is not the mandate of the CS, according to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Speaking ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from a month-long stay in the United States, Malala said his planned reception will proceed as scheduled.

It will begin with a peaceful procession from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Nairobi’s Central Business District and later to Kamukunji.

Malala said the opposition party has already notified the police of their intended procession, describing it as the only constitutional requirement for a peaceful procession.

“We have organised a majestic reception for the King. I heard CS Murkomen say they will not sanction any function that has not been approved by the police. The Constitution guarantees us the freedom of assembly. There is nowhere in the borders of our constitution which gives the CS the mandate to give us permission to assemble; the only requirement is to notify them of such a meeting,” Malala said.

“Three days ago, we notified the IG, all officers commanding police stations that we shall be having a peaceful procession from JKIA to CBD, to Kamukunji, and therefore we do not need Murkomen's permission to assemble,” he added.

Malala urged supporters to turn out in large numbers to welcome Gachagua, saying people had already travelled from across the country to attend the event.

On Wednesday, Murkomen maintained that the government would not allow unsanctioned public rallies to disrupt peace and business in Nairobi during Gachagua’s planned return.

He insisted that the organizers must also ensure it is peaceful and without criminal activities.

“If they have given the notification, we have absolutely no issue with any person, political party, or any politician calling for a meeting. They just need to give the notification, and they must ensure their meeting is peaceful and does not lead to situations of disrupting the peace for others or burning of property or looting or violence,” the CS said in Nyandarua.