Tensions are rising ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return to Kenya, with a group of his loyal supporters in Embu vowing to stage dramatic protests should he face arrest upon arrival.
During a press conference on Wednesday, August 20, supporters from the Democratic Change Party (DCP) in Embu, led by vocal party member Beth Kariuki, declared they would not allow what they termed as political intimidation to silence their leader. Kariuki insisted that Gachagua, who has been in the United States for close to two months, had every right to return home without harassment.
“Gachagua is a Kenyan, and he should not be arrested. If he is arrested, we shall protest as women because we are the ones who know the pain of having a child. You impeached him without reason, and we kept quiet. If he gets arrested, we shall remove our clothes and protest,” one of the women warned.
The group also extended a warm invitation to Gachagua, urging him to make Embu his first stop after touching down in Nairobi. “Gachagua, we want you in Embu, and immediately after you come to Kenya, we want you to come here first and talk to us,” they stated. According to them, his homecoming represents a significant moment not only for Embu residents but also for his wider political base across the country.
The Embu DCP supporters revealed that Gachagua is expected to tour the county to rally support for the party’s candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election. Kariuki’s sentiments were backed by John Arimi, an aspiring 2027 Embu Senator on a DCP ticket, who also called for investigations into claims that some leaders were paid to support Gachagua’s impeachment.
Another supporter, Jasmel Gechini, appealed to the state to uphold democratic freedoms, while Thoithi emphasized that freedom of speech and association are rights no regime should suppress.
Gachagua is scheduled to land on Thursday, August 21, amid speculation of a looming arrest. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other leaders have in recent weeks pushed for his detention over remarks he made during his U.S. trip, setting the stage for a politically charged reception.
