Nairobi, Kenya- The government has mounted a heavy security operation at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from the United States.
From the early hours of the morning, lorries carrying regular and anti-riot police squads, including units from the General Service Unit (GSU), were stationed at key points around the airport.
Water cannons were also strategically parked outside the entrance as supporters of Gachagua streamed in to await his arrival.
Traffic in and out of JKIA remained steady under intensified checks. A few leaders allied to the former DP had already arrived to receive him.
Murkomen Warns Against Chaos
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday warned that the security sector was prepared to handle any disruptions.
“Let me say that the security sector is prepared to deal with any insecurity issues. The last time he was around there were many goons in the name of protests. We were very prepared, and every other minute, the National Police Service is prepared to protect citizens and their property,” Murkomen said.
He accused elements within Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) of planning to cause chaos by mobilising large crowds to the airport.
DCP Mobilises Supporters
Despite the government’s stance, Gachagua’s DCP party maintained that today’s events would remain peaceful.
Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said they had planned what he termed as “the mother of all peaceful processions” from JKIA to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), culminating in a rally at the symbolic Kamkunji Grounds.
“We shall have a mother of all peaceful processions from JKIA to CBD and later address a rally at Kamkunji Grounds,” Malala said, noting that the police had been formally notified to provide security.
Some supporters even camped outside the airport overnight. Among them was General Mwangi Kiveti, introduced as a DCP official from Murang’a County, who declared that they were waiting for “the opposition leader and the next, sixth President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua.”
He sent a defiant message to Interior CS Murkomen: “We have masses in all airports. Everybody will not sleep. Government threats are not scaring us.”
A Charged Homecoming
The return of Gachagua has been cast as more than just a homecoming. For his supporters, it signals a symbolic political statement against the government, while for authorities, it is a potential flashpoint for unrest.
As police and supporters face off in anticipation, all eyes remain fixed on JKIA to see how today’s events will unfold.
