NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s homecoming procession turned chaotic on Thursday afternoon after his convoy was attacked by a group of youths near City Cabanas stage along Mombasa Road.
The attackers, who arrived on boda bodas, pelted the convoy with stones, damaging several vehicles including those carrying journalists.
Standard Group and RMS journalists were attacked on Mombasa Road while covering DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s procession to Kamukunji; a company vehicle was damaged amidst the chaos.
Equipment belonging to Cape Media’s TV47 crew was destroyed in the melee.
Witnesses said the youths also targeted motorists and pedestrians, snatching valuables such as mobile phones. Several people sustained injuries, though the extent remained unclear by press time.
The disruption occurred shortly after Gachagua landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) around 1pm and set off for the Nairobi Central Business District, accompanied by supporters and political allies.
Security was visibly tight at JKIA, where a brief scuffle had earlier broken out as supporters exited the airport.
But the procession, initially peaceful, descended into violence once the convoy left the airport perimeter.
By 3pm, the convoy was still stuck along Mombasa Road as leaders sought to regain control of the situation.
Police maintained a heavy presence in the area but had not issued a statement on the incident.
The opposition Democratic Change Party (DCP), led by Gachagua, has accused the state of orchestrating threats and intimidation against its leaders and supporters. Authorities, however, have not commented on Wednesday’s clash.
