The homecoming of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on August 21, 2025, following a 43-day trip to the United States, was marred by widespread violence and chaos, despite his team promoting the convoy as the “mother of all peaceful processions.” What began as a political gathering quickly escalated into attacks on journalists and supporters along Mombasa Road, prompting strong condemnation from various bodies.

Upon Gachagua's arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 1 p.m., he was received by Democratic Congress Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and other supporters. However, the procession’s journey to the city devolved into disorder. Goons began pelting stones, resulting in injuries to journalists from Standard Group, Royal Media Services (RMS), and TV47. Their vehicles were damaged, and equipment destroyed, with some reporters requiring hospital treatment. Supporters of the DCP making their way back from the airport were also targeted in the unprovoked assaults.

The Media Council of Kenya swiftly condemned the violent assault and robbery, emphasizing that such acts undermine press freedom and pose a threat to national safety. The council urged the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. In a separate statement issued on the same day, former Chief Justice David Maraga also condemned the violence, specifically criticizing the government for allowing armed groups to attack citizens and journalists while law enforcement stood by without intervention. Maraga expressed concern over what he described as President Ruto’s “continued use of armed militias against citizens,” arguing that such unchecked violence erodes public trust in state institutions and threatens national security, necessitating an urgent confrontation of this lawlessness.

In the aftermath, Rigathi Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, broke his silence, squarely blaming the state for the chaotic events, robberies, and physical violence inflicted upon his supporters. During a phone interview with Kameme FM, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto and his allies were behind the onslaught. He claimed that the state had deployed a helicopter to monitor his movements and accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen of utilizing state resources and organized goons to disrupt his homecoming. Gachagua explicitly stated, “Kasongo and his people planned goons to go to beat up my supporters and even robbed women who had arrived at the airport to celebrate my return and welcome me home.”

Reflecting on his political journey, Gachagua alluded to his past ouster from office and his growing influence, stating that the "embarrassment that Ruto and his people brought upon us has now been turned into a blessing by God." He highlighted his international recognition and the significant turnout of supporters upon his return, contrasting it with earlier attempts to sideline him.

Conversely, Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen offered a different perspective, attributing the chaos to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders for their failure to notify police officers of their itinerary. Speaking in Kirinyaga, Murkomen condemned the violence and the use of hired goons, acknowledging the injured journalists and damaged vehicles. He asserted that the government had requested the DCP leaders to inform security agents prior to the homecoming, but these orders were ignored. Murkomen described the activities at the airport as “totally useless with no value to anyone,” emphasizing that the airport is a protected area and not a venue for political games.

While fending off allegations of state involvement, Murkomen confirmed that police officers had initiated investigations to identify and apprehend those who organized and hired the goons responsible for terrorizing residents from JKIA and along Jogoo Road. He vowed that any leader found to have facilitated these actions would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation. Furthermore, the CS assured Kenyans that the government would implement additional measures to enhance security, including deploying more police officers, to protect innocent citizens caught amidst political activities.

Earlier, Murkomen had denied any prior knowledge of a heavy police deployment at JKIA ahead of Gachagua’s return. He stated that neither he nor Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was aware of such a deployment. He clarified that the National Police Service operates in a decentralized manner, allowing officers to carry out law enforcement duties and report through appropriate channels without necessarily seeking clearance from the Inspector General for every operation. Murkomen reiterated the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Kenyans to engage in political, social, and economic activities within a peaceful environment.