Mandera Senator Ali Roba has called for the immediate arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he terms as false and dangerous allegations linking President William Ruto to the Al Shabaab terrorist group.
Speaking on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Roba accused Gachagua of spreading misleading political propaganda after alleging that President Ruto met with Al Shabaab militia leaders during his recent official visit to Mandera County.
Senator Roba Denounces “False Political Propaganda”
The lawmaker dismissed the claims as baseless, malicious, and politically motivated, insisting that as a leader who personally accompanied the President during the visit, he witnessed only official engagements with recognized Mandera leaders and members of the public in open forums.
“I can state without fear of contradiction that President Ruto’s itinerary was transparent. There were no secret or suspicious meetings with any criminal groups,” Roba emphasized.
President Ruto’s Visit Was ‘Fully Transparent’
According to Roba, the President’s one-day trip to Mandera was strictly official and well-documented.
He accused Gachagua of attempting to incite fear and division among Kenyans by fabricating stories involving national security.
“It is deeply unfortunate that a man who once claimed to stand for truth has reduced himself to spreading lies,” Roba said.
“Such behavior is dangerous when used to distort the President’s engagements with marginalized communities.”
Call for Arrest and U.S. Government Awareness
The Mandera Senator has demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrest Gachagua upon his return to Kenya and compel him to provide evidence for his accusations.
He further urged the United States government and other international partners to ignore the false narrative, warning that such remarks could harm Kenya’s image and strain counterterrorism cooperation.
Gachagua’s Allegations
Gachagua had, a day earlier, claimed that during a visit to Mandera, President Ruto met three Al Shabaab leaders at night to discuss undisclosed matters.
“We want to know why the President is working with Al Shabaab. The Americans are worried that suspected terrorists could be registered as Kenyans and infiltrate the U.S. and other countries to commit acts of terror,” Gachagua alleged.
Security and Political Fallout
Roba condemned the remarks as reckless and dishonest, accusing Gachagua of undermining Kenya’s security agencies and disrespecting the people of Northern Kenya.
“To twist a transparent presidential visit into a false narrative about national insecurity is both reckless and shameful,” Roba concluded.
