Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to receive a rousing welcome upon his return to Kenya from the United States on Thursday, with a massive procession planned from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
According to Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, thousands of supporters from across the country are preparing to converge at JKIA from as early as 8 a.m. to receive the former DP. The procession will then snake its way into the CBD before culminating in a major rally at the historic Kamukunji Grounds, where Gachagua is scheduled to address the public.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, August 18, Malala confirmed that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had been formally notified of the events. He warned security agencies against interfering with what he described as “a mother of all peaceful processions.”
“Last week, we announced that our party leader will return to the nation on Thursday, and we want to confirm that his return is still as scheduled. The people of Kenya are called upon to show up at JKIA and join us in receiving him,” Malala stated.
However, Malala also alleged that a plot was underway to divert Gachagua’s plane to either Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Kisumu International Airport in order to facilitate his arrest. He said the party had mobilized supporters in both regions to be on standby to prevent any such move.
“Any attempt to apprehend Gachagua once he lands in the country will be met by our supporters across the nation,” Malala warned, adding that detaining the former DP could trigger widespread protests.
He further cautioned that any confrontation during Gachagua’s return could disrupt the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), a continental football tournament currently hosted in Kenya. Malala argued that such disruption would damage the country’s image and cast President William Ruto’s administration in a negative light on the international stage.
As the countdown to Thursday continues, attention now shifts to JKIA and Kamukunji, where supporters are preparing to stage what could be one of the largest political processions in recent times.
