RUTO ACCUSED OF MEETING THE AL SHABAAB WHILE IN MANDERA COUNTY

The former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, while addressing a public forum, alleged that the Head of State met three leaders of the Al Shabaab militia under the cover of darkness to discuss undisclosed business matters. Mandera Governor Ali Roba, on Thursday August 7 2025, addressed allegations over President William Ruto’s visit to Mandera County.
“It has come to our attention that Mr. Rigathi Gachagua has once again chosen to recklessly peddle blatant falsehoods in a desperate attempt to mislead the public for cheap political mileage,” said Ali Roba in his statement.
Gachagua further accused the President of removing the vetting process for non-Kenyans seeking Kenyan identification documents, claiming it posed a threat to both national and international security.
“They want to know why, when you were in Mandera, you met three leaders of the Al Shabaab militia at night to discuss business,” Gachagua said.
He also claimed that foreign governments, particularly the United States, were concerned that removing vetting measures could allow suspected terrorists to acquire Kenyan IDs and eventually access other countries under false identities.
“Your decision to suspend vetting of foreigners before they are given registration in Kenya is a threat to world security,” he stated.
In a detailed response, Governor Roba described the accusations as “a calculated, malevolent lie” and termed Gachagua’s remarks as dangerous, misleading, and an attempt to gain political mileage through spreading fear. Roba clarified that he personally accompanied President Ruto during the entire Mandera tour and confirmed that no secret or unofficial meetings took place.
“Every aspect of the President’s one-day itinerary was transparent and in the public domain. He only met officially recognised Mandera leaders and the public in open forums,” Roba said.