Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s highly anticipated return to Kenya on August 21, 2025, after a 43-day trip to the United States, was marred by widespread violence and chaos. What his team had promoted as the “mother of all peaceful processions” from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) quickly devolved into a scene of attacks against journalists, supporters, and vehicles along Mombasa Road.

Gachagua, who touched down at JKIA around 1 p.m., was met by a contingent of supporters including Democratic Congress Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu. However, as his motorcade proceeded towards the city, the celebratory atmosphere gave way to aggression. At the City Cabanas stage, unidentified individuals on motorcycles began pelting the convoy with stones and other projectiles, causing significant damage and injuries.

Journalists covering the event bore the brunt of these attacks. Reporters from Standard Group, Royal Media Services (RMS), and TV47 were assaulted, robbed, and had their equipment destroyed. Some even required hospital treatment following the incident. Supporters of the DCP making their way back from the airport were also targeted, and several vehicles, including those carrying journalists, sustained damage. The violence created major traffic disruptions and necessitated police intervention, who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order.

The Media Council of Kenya and former Chief Justice David Maraga swiftly condemned the attacks, highlighting the grave implications for national safety and press freedom. In a statement, the Media Council expressed strong condemnation for the violent assault and robbery of journalists, urging the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga issued a separate, strong criticism, condemning the use of violence against both citizens and journalists. He specifically admonished the government, stating that President Ruto’s “continued use of armed militias against citizens, as security forces watch without any action, continues to threaten the safety and security of the nation.” Maraga emphasized that unchecked violence erodes public trust in state institutions and called for an urgent confrontation of this lawlessness. Gachagua’s political allies also accused his rivals of orchestrating the violence, further intensifying the country’s already deep political divisions. The incident starkly contrasted with the earlier, largely peaceful gathering at JKIA, turning what was intended as a grand welcome into a politically charged and violent event.