Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua returned to Kenya on Thursday afternoon, following a political tour in the United States that was cut short. His arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was met with a large and enthusiastic reception, including a delegation of political allies such as DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, along with hundreds of chanting supporters. This massive turnout caused significant security and traffic disruptions, forcing police to erect barricades on roads like the Mombasa Highway and the Expressway.

Hours before Gachagua’s arrival, Malala had announced plans for a peaceful procession from JKIA through the Nairobi Central Business District to the Kamukunji Grounds. While Gachagua did not address the crowds at the airport, reports indicated he was scheduled to speak at a later rally. However, the initial peaceful atmosphere soon gave way to chaos as Gachagua’s motorcade made its way from JKIA along Mombasa Road.

Reports from multiple media outlets described an attack on the convoy at the City Cabanas stage, where unidentified individuals on motorcycles allegedly pelted vehicles with stones and other projectiles. This attack caused damage to several vehicles, including those carrying journalists, and resulted in injuries to Gachagua’s supporters and other motorists. Police intervened by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order, disrupting traffic for a significant period.

In the aftermath, Rigathi Gachagua broke his silence, blaming the state, President William Ruto, and his allies for orchestrating the chaos, robbery, and physical violence against his supporters during his homecoming. Speaking on Kameme FM, Gachagua claimed the state deployed a helicopter to monitor his movements and accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen of utilizing state resources and 'goons' to disrupt the event. He suggested that what was intended to be an embarrassment had turned into a blessing, highlighting his growing political influence despite his ouster.

Conversely, Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen condemned the violence but blamed leaders from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) for failing to notify police officers of their itinerary. Speaking in Kirinyaga, Murkomen criticized the use of hired goons, which resulted in injured journalists and stoned cars. He asserted that the government had requested proper notification from DCP leaders, which was ignored, and dismissed the activities at the airport as 'useless' and without value.

Murkomen also addressed earlier allegations regarding a heavy police deployment at JKIA, stating that neither he nor Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had prior knowledge of it. He explained that the National Police Service is decentralized, allowing officers to conduct law enforcement duties and report through proper channels without needing direct clearance from the IG for every operation. The CS emphasized that police investigations have begun to identify and prosecute those who organized and hired the goons, regardless of their political affiliation, and assured the public that measures would be put in place to enhance security and protect innocent Kenyans caught in political activities.