NAIROBI, Kenya — Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua camped overnight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of his scheduled arrival from the United States today at noon.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which Gachagua leads, has called for what it terms “the mother of all peaceful processions” to welcome him home after weeks abroad.
The planned procession will stretch from JKIA into Nairobi’s Central Business District, culminating in a rally at the historic Kamukunji Grounds.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Senator Cleophas Malala has spearheaded the mobilisation, urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers. He described Gachagua as “the king,” calling Thursday’s return a “majestic procession” that would serve both as a homecoming and a political statement.
“Your presence is your power, your numbers are your shield, your unity is our victory,” Malala declared earlier this week, insisting that Gachagua’s supporters must accompany him from the airport into the city centre.
The party has also urged mobilisations in Kisumu and Mombasa, warning that if the government attempts to divert Gachagua’s flight, equally large gatherings will be staged there.
Supporters Camp at JKIA
Among those who camped overnight at JKIA was General Mwangi Kiveti, a DCP official from Murang’a County. Speaking on behalf of the supporters, Kiveti declared they were at the airport “waiting for the opposition leader and next, sixth president of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua.”
He sent a direct message to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, saying:
“We have masses in all airports, everybody will not sleep. Government threats are not scaring us.”
Claims of State Interference
The DCP has accused senior government officials of plotting to arrest Gachagua upon arrival, with Malala alleging threats of abduction, house arrest, and even poisoning while in custody. He likened the alleged plan to the ordeal faced by the late democracy icon Kenneth Matiba.
“They want to kill his voice and his body at the same time,” Malala said, warning that any attempt to harm Gachagua would bring the country to a standstill.
National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee Chair Nelson Koech has also claimed there are plans to divert Gachagua’s plane to Mombasa or Kisumu airports to prevent him from addressing supporters in Nairobi.
Government Response
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed the political buzz surrounding Gachagua’s return, saying, “There are so many people landing in Kenya every day, so I don’t know why we should be worried when one person is landing.”
While downplaying the hype, Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have cautioned that security agencies remain on high alert.
“The security agencies are adequately prepared to deal with any security issues,” Murkomen said, warning that legal action would be taken against organisers if violence breaks out.
Background to the Return
Gachagua cut short his two-month U.S. tour by a month, saying he needed to return home to lead the party in preparations for the November 27 by-elections.
DCP Deputy Leader Malala had already unveiled candidates on August 5, confirming the party’s participation in all 22 jurisdictions where the polls will be held.
His trip abroad included meetings with Kenyan diaspora communities in Seattle, Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, and Baltimore, where he inaugurated DCP satellite offices.
