NAIROBI, Kenya – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has dismissed claims of an imminent arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting his return from the United States will be treated like that of any other Kenyan.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Kanja downplayed speculation that Gachagua would face detention on arrival, saying police had “no problem” with the former DP’s homecoming.
“Rigathi’s arrival is just like that of any other Kenyan returning to the country, so we have no issue with it,” Kanja said, while warning that no individual was above the law. “If he or his supporters violate the law, action will be taken.”
Gachagua landed at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Thursday afternoon after a six-week tour of the United States, where he met Kenyans in the diaspora and opposition allies.
His return drew heightened security, with anti-riot police, water cannons, and General Service Unit officers deployed in and around the airport.
Supporters thronged the area from the early morning, chanting slogans and waving banners to welcome their party leader.
The show of force came hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned members of Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) against causing unrest.
“The last time he was here, there were disruptions disguised as protests. This time, we are fully prepared, and the police will safeguard Kenyan citizens,” Murkomen said.
DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala had earlier claimed the state was planning to arrest Gachagua on arrival and even divert his flight to stop him from addressing supporters.
“If they dare lay a hand on him, the country will grind to a halt,” Malala warned, urging supporters to treat the return as a political statement. “This is not just a welcome – it is a statement to the world that Kenya belongs to her people.”
