Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) witnessed a heavy police deployment Thursday morning as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua prepared to return from a six-week tour of the United States.
Anti-terror officers occupied key areas of the airport, while water cannons were stationed at strategic points to ensure public order. Supporters of Gachagua, dressed in Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) attire, gathered in large numbers to welcome their leader.
“Our countdown is at two hours until we receive him, and I am sure that he has seen many Kenyans here to receive him. This shows he is listening to Kenyans and is very connected to their issues,” one supporter told Citizen Digital.
Gachagua, who was impeached last October following a fallout with President William Ruto, used his U.S. visit to engage with the diaspora and criticize Ruto’s administration over corruption, extrajudicial killings, and human rights concerns.
His return, however, raises the possibility of confrontation between his supporters and authorities. The DCP has called for over a million supporters to assemble at JKIA, but Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that any mobilization turning into lawlessness would face legal consequences.
Gachagua plans to proceed to Kamukunji grounds after landing. CS Murkomen stressed that the rally would only be allowed if the party has formally notified the police to ensure proper security deployment.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that the National Police Service is fully in charge of security and expects “normalcy” during the DCP leader’s arrival.
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