Hundreds of Kenyans turned up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday to welcome former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
In widely circulated videos, supporters were seen crowding the international arrivals terminal, many of them dressed in party colours in anticipation of Gachagua’s arrival.
Some supporters reportedly spent the night at the airport to secure vantage positions.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, and veteran politician Maina Kamanda were among the leaders present.
Malala, a close ally of the former Deputy President, had earlier urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, terming the event a “statement to the world that Kenya belongs to her people.”
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Gachagua was expected to arrive at noon, according to Malala, who has in recent days led a spirited campaign criticizing President William Ruto’s administration while rallying support for his party leader.
The DCP leadership has also dared authorities to arrest Gachagua upon his return, heightening political tensions ahead of his arrival.
However, the government has downplayed the excitement. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed suggestions that Gachagua’s return was extraordinary, remarking, “There are so many people landing in Kenya every day, so I don’t know why we should be worried when one person is landing.”
Murkomen stressed that while Gachagua had every right to return, security agencies remained on high alert.
“The security agencies are adequately prepared to deal with any security issues,” he said during his Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Murang’a.
The former Deputy President’s return has sparked renewed political debate, with supporters framing it as a show of defiance against the current administration, while government officials maintain it is business as usual.