Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has re-emerged as a prominent opposition figure, challenging his former boss, President William Ruto, a year after his removal from office over accusations of misconduct and insubordination. Gachagua's political resurgence was highlighted by his recent six-week trip to the United States, which he began on July 9, 2025. During his time abroad, he openly criticized the Kenyan government, citing concerns over corruption, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations. The trip was funded by Kenyans in the diaspora who supported his political ambitions to counter the current Kenya Kwanza regime, with plans already underway for another US visit in 2026 to complete his agenda.

Gachagua's return to Kenya on August 21, 2025, was highly anticipated and timed to coincide with a series of by-elections, marking his first direct political contest with Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election. His Democratic Congress Party (DCP) allies, led by Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, had extensively publicized a grand homecoming, featuring a procession from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Nairobi Central Business District, culminating in a public rally at the symbolic Kamukunji Grounds.

Upon his arrival at JKIA, Gachagua was met by a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including a delegation of political allies like Cleophas Malala and Senator John Methu. The reception caused significant security and traffic disruptions, with hundreds thronging the airport's arrival terminal, chanting his name. Despite the charged atmosphere, Gachagua did not address the crowds at the airport. The planned procession from JKIA to the city center and the Kamukunji rally, however, were marred by chaos, violence, and police intervention.

Malala accused the government of frustrating the event, claiming police deployed tear gas at Cabanas on Mombasa Road and hurled stones at Gachagua’s motorcade to disperse crowds. Security forces maintained a heavy presence, and the convoy was forced to divert multiple times before dispersing near the city center. Gachagua was notably absent from a stopover where his allies, including Malala, Methu, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, addressed supporters. His exact whereabouts remained unclear, though allies vowed to escort him safely to his Karen home, stating, “We have brought the boss home. We’ll ensure he spends the night in his bedroom.”

Following the chaotic events, Gachagua broke his silence during a phone interview with Kameme FM, blaming the state for the violence and claiming President William Ruto and his allies were behind the disruptions. He accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen of deploying a helicopter to monitor his movements and using state resources and 'goons' to attack his supporters. Gachagua framed his political comeback as a divine blessing, transforming his past ouster into a moment of increased influence both locally and internationally.

Conversely, CS Murkomen denied prior knowledge of the heavy police deployment at JKIA and blamed DCP leaders for failing to notify police of their itinerary. He condemned the violence, stating that investigations would be launched to identify and prosecute those who organized and hired 'goons,' irrespective of their political affiliation. Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting innocent Kenyans and ensuring a peaceful environment for political activities.

The grandeur of Gachagua’s return was compared to past homecomings of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, with some observers noting that it fell short of expectations, particularly in attracting widespread support from other opposition figures. The absence of prominent leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, despite DCP’s claims of a strategic move, diluted the opportunity to project Gachagua as a unifying leader. The hype surrounding his return also quickly fizzled out, with his followers primarily hearing a continuation of his criticisms against the Ruto regime, rather than any new substantive political statements or actions concerning the by-elections, which he had cited as a reason for cutting short his US trip.