Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s much-anticipated return to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on August 21, 2025, turned chaotic as government forces allegedly scuttled his political show, according to The Star.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader arrived from a 43-day U.S. tour to a charged atmosphere, with hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome him.
However, heavy police deployment, tear gas, and alleged state-sponsored goons disrupted the planned procession to Kamukunji Grounds, raising questions about political suppression in Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua’s return was framed by DCP as a triumphant homecoming after engaging Kenyan diaspora communities. The party, led by Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala, had announced a peaceful procession from JKIA to Nairobi’s Central Business District, culminating in a rally at Kamukunji Grounds.
Supporters, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, thronged the airport, waving placards and chanting anti-government slogans.
The Star reported that anti-riot police, water cannons, and helicopters were deployed, signaling heightened security measures. Malala accused the government of orchestrating chaos to silence Gachagua’s growing opposition influence, a claim echoed by supporters who viewed the disruption as an attempt to curb political dissent.
Tensions escalated as Gachagua’s convoy left JKIA. Along Mombasa Road, rowdy youths, allegedly hired by state actors, pelted vehicles with stones, attacked journalists, and disrupted traffic.
The Star highlighted that these incidents marred what was meant to be a peaceful political show, with DCP leaders condemning the violence as a deliberate tactic to intimidate Gachagua’s base.
Nyutu accused the government of coordinating the attacks, pointing to a helicopter circling overhead as evidence of state involvement. Despite the chaos, Gachagua maintained silence, avoiding direct confrontation but allowing his allies to rally supporters against the administration.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen denied knowledge of the heavy police presence, claiming the National Police Service operates independently.
However, Inspector General Douglas Kanja dismissed arrest rumors, stating Gachagua’s return was an ordinary event. These denials did little to quell DCP’s allegations of a government plot to disrupt the JKIA political show.
Malala warned of nationwide unrest if Gachagua faced arrest, citing plans to mobilize supporters in Kisumu and Mombasa should his flight be diverted.
The Star noted that the violence and police actions overshadowed Gachagua’s homecoming, exposing deepening political rifts in Kenya.The scuttled JKIA political show has sparked debates about freedom of assembly and political expression.
DCP leaders vowed to continue their campaign, with Malala announcing plans to compile a dossier on alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions for the International Criminal Court.
The Star’s coverage shows the volatility of Kenya’s political landscape as Gachagua positions himself as a key opposition figure. Supporters view the government’s actions as an attempt to suppress dissent, while critics argue the heavy security was necessary to maintain order.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the JKIA political show disruption highlights the challenges facing opposition leaders. Gachagua’s silence amid the chaos suggests a strategic approach, letting his allies amplify the narrative of government overreach.
The report serves as a critical lens on how political events are managed, raising questions about state power and democratic freedoms in Kenya.
