Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua arrived in Kenya on August 21, after his diplomatic and political tour of the United States.
Here is a timeline of events that transpired during Gachagua’s return to Kenya.
4:10 p.m. – Murkomen on Police Presence on JKIA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied knowledge of the heavy police deployment witnessed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
He was responding to a journalist’s question during a press briefing.
“You are the one who has informed me,” Murkomen said, appearing surprised by the news.
The statement came amid heightened public interest and speculation surrounding Gachagua’s return to the country.
3:32 p.m. – Journalists Attacked
Journalists from the Standard Group and Royal Media Services (RMS) were assaulted along Mombasa Road while reporting on DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s procession to Kamukunji.
A company vehicle was also vandalized during the incident.
3:17 p.m. – Police Lob Teargas
Goons stoned DP Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy on Mombasa Road, causing traffic disruptions in the area.
The incident escalated as the crowd grew hostile, prompting police officers to deploy tear gas to disperse the group and restore order.
2:55 p.m. – Gachagua Convoy Stoned
Chaos as former DP Gachagua makes his way to Nairobi CBD. Several youths throw stones at Gachagua’s convoy. His motorcade is currently heading towards Nairobi CBD as supporters anticipate his address.
2:30 p.m. – Gachagua Joins Procession
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined thousands of supporters in a procession through the city’s streets after landing at JKIA.
2:17 p.m. – DCP Leaders Clash with Police
Chaos at JKIA as DCP leaders clash with police during Rigathi Gachagua’s return from US trip.
2:00 p.m. – Rigathi Gachagua Jets Back After US Tour
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Gachagua was received by a waiting crowd that brought the arrivals area to a standstill. His motorcade is currently heading towards Nairobi CBD as supporters anticipate his address.
12: 30 p.m. -Tension as Youths Disrupt Gachagua Supporters at JKIA
A chaotic scene unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when a group of unruly youths, arriving on boda bodas and shouting slogans, disrupted a gathering of supporters awaiting the arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Police moved in quickly to quell the commotion and restore order.
The situation intensified as more boda boda riders arrived, while police are monitoring the area.
Crowd control efforts were led by individuals clad in black, working to manage the swelling and increasingly restless crowd.
11: 44 a.m. -Politicians at JKIA
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara is among the supporters waiting for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Other leaders present at the Airport include Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and Kitui Senator Enock Wambua.
11:00 a.m. – Water Cannons Spotted at JKIA
Water cannons have been spotted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ahead of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s arrival.
Supporters, many wearing Democratic Congress Party (DCP)-branded merchandise, have gathered in large numbers at the airport in anticipation of his return.
Authorities have not reported any incidents, but the heightened security presence suggests officials were preparing for possible unrest.
8:00 a.m. – Supporters Gather at JKIA Ahead of Gachagua’s Arrival
Hundreds of supporters have begun assembling at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of Gachagua’s scheduled arrival at 12:00 p.m.
DCP Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the party had mobilized over 300,000 supporters from across the country to welcome their leader.
Security has been heightened around the airport and key areas of Nairobi, with traffic diversions expected along the planned procession route.
2:00 a.m. – Peaceful Procession Planned Through Nairobi
According to the DCP, the August 21 events will culminate in a major rally at Kamukunji Grounds, where Gachagua is expected to address the public.
The procession will begin at JKIA and proceed through Nairobi’s Central Business District, with supporters waving party flags and chanting slogans.
Nairobi County officials have urged participants to remain peaceful and follow designated routes.
DCP Claims Plot to Disrupt Gachagua’s Return
In a statement earlier this week, the DCP alleged that there had been attempts to divert Gachagua’s plane and sabotage his return.
The party did not provide evidence to support the claims but said it had notified international observers and local authorities.
Also Read: Malala Explains Why DCI Cannot Arrest Gachagua
“We have formally notified the police, and we shall receive our King with honour and dignity, leading a peaceful procession from JKIA through the CBD to Kamukunji.”
Gachagua Ends U.S. Tour Early
Gachagua announced that he had cut short his U.S. tour to focus on preparations for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November.
He had been expected to visit several additional states to meet with Kenyans in the diaspora.
“I regret being unable to visit the remaining scheduled states,” Gachagua said. “I must now return home to join our party in readiness for the by-elections in various parts of the country.”
He expressed gratitude to Kenyans in the U.S. and promised to reschedule the remaining meetings for early next year.
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