NAIROBI, Kenya – A heavy police deployment was on Thursday morning witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the much-anticipated return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from a six-week tour of the United States.
Anti-terror officers and regular police units were seen stationed around key sections of the airport, while water cannons were positioned at strategic points in what appeared to be a show of force.
Gachagua’s supporters, clad in the colours of his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), had already begun gathering at the airport, singing and waving party symbols as they awaited his arrival.
The former deputy president, who was impeached in October 2024 after a dramatic fallout with President William Ruto, has in recent months emerged as a fierce critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During his U.S. tour, Gachagua held diaspora forums where he accused the government of corruption, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations.
His planned return, however, has stirred fears of confrontation between his supporters and the authorities.
DCP has called on over one million people to welcome him, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that any unlawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly.
Murkomen said the government is prepared to facilitate peaceful rallies provided organisers comply with legal requirements.
“The rally at Kamukunji will only be allowed if proper notifications have been made to the police for adequate security deployment,” he stated.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured that the National Police Service is fully in charge of security operations at JKIA and expects “normalcy” during the homecoming.
Gachagua is expected to head straight to Kamukunji grounds after his arrival, setting the stage for a political showdown that could test both his support base and the government’s resolve to maintain order in the capital.
