Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is back in the country after cutting short his four-week political tour in the United States.
Gachagua’s flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday afternoon, where he was received by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and a host of party officials.
Hundreds of supporters flooded the airport, chanting his name, waving banners, and singing solidarity songs. The charged scenes forced police to erect barricades and briefly divert traffic along Mombasa Road and the Expressway leading to the airport.
Although Gachagua did not address the press or supporters immediately, reports indicate he is expected to speak later at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi.
DCP Deputy Leader Malala confirmed that police had been notified of a planned peaceful procession from JKIA through the Nairobi CBD to Kamukunji, where Gachagua will make his first address since returning.
Security around JKIA and key Nairobi roads remained tight throughout the afternoon, with police water cannons and trucks stationed in readiness for any disruptions.
Gachagua’s homecoming drew crowds from across the country, marking one of the most highly anticipated political arrivals of the year.
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