No show: Gachagua missing in action as hyped Kamukunji rally stalls

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a procession from JKIA after he landed from the US on August 21, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua failed to address a promised rally at Kamukunji Grounds on Thursday despite pledges by his Democratic Congress Party (DCP) allies that the gathering would cap his return from a 43-day trip to the United States. Gachagua touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 1 p.m., where he was received by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and other supporters who had gathered earlier. His convoy later left for the city in a procession promoted by his team as the "mother of all peaceful processions." On Monday, Malala had announced plans for what he described as the "mother of all peaceful processions" from JKIA to the Nairobi central business district, culminating in a public rally at the symbolic Kamukunji Grounds. "We shall have a mother of all peaceful processions from JKIA to CBD and later address a public rally at Kamukunji Grounds," Malala said. However, speaking later on Thursday, Malala accused the government of frustrating the event, claiming police were deployed to block Gachagua's reception."We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed police officers. They planned to arrest him but we have said no. We want Ruto to respect human rights," he argued. Police fired tear gas at Cabanas on Mombasa Road as stones were hurled at Gachagua's motorcade, dispersing crowds. Security forces maintained a heavy presence along the route as the convoy diverted several times before dispersing near the city centre. By the time Malala, Methu, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina addressed supporters at a stopover, Gachagua was missing from the scene. His whereabouts remained unclear, with allies vowing to escort him to his Karen home. "We have brought the boss home. We'll ensure he spends the night in his bedroom," Malala told supporters. Methu insisted Gachagua's camp would not be cowed. "We want to tell you, William Ruto, you have tested our resilience, but we are unbowed and we shall fight on until we deliver this country," he said. Maina accused the government of targeting young people while sponsoring disruptions. "The president is sending goons and then arresting youths who have done no wrong. I will continue defending Gen Zs in court until the end," she stated. Senator Joe Nyutu also tore into President Ruto. "We want to tell the international community that only they can rescue Kenya from Kasongo. As we speak, a helicopter is circling to coordinate goons, but Rigathi Gachagua remains our leader whether you like it or not," he declared. Gachagua had spent six weeks in the US, where he met diaspora groups and openly criticised Ruto. His team had publicised the Kamukunji rally as the climax of his return, but the gathering collapsed without his presence, leaving allies to speak in his place.

No show: Gachagua missing in action as hyped Kamukunji rally stalls

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No show: Gachagua missing in action as hyped Kamukunji rally stalls

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