Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua returned to Nairobi on Thursday, August 21, 2025, after a 43-day tour of the United States. His plane, carrying him, his wife Dorcas, and their delegation, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after noon. Hundreds of supporters from his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) had gathered at the airport from as early as 6 AM, joined by prominent political figures including DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala, Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Joe Nyutu (Murang'a), and Karung'o Wathang'wa (Kiambu), Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.

Despite earlier allegations from DCP leaders about a plot to arrest Gachagua over remarks made during diaspora town hall meetings – where he reportedly linked President William Ruto to extremist groups like al-Shabaab and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces – Gachagua was neither arrested nor diverted upon arrival. Tension briefly flared at the airport when supporters demanded answers regarding Gachagua’s whereabouts during a prolonged clearance process before his eventual appearance. He did not address the crowd at the airport, but his party had announced plans for a peaceful procession into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) with stopovers to address supporters, culminating in a major rally at Kamukunji Grounds, a venue often associated with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Ahead of Gachagua’s arrival, a heavy police presence was observed at JKIA, with anti-riot units from the General Service Unit and water cannons deployed. However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen denied prior knowledge of the deployment, stating that the National Police Service is decentralized and officers can carry out duties without seeking clearance from the Inspector General. Supporters at JKIA reported no initial altercations with police, with Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu emphasizing their peaceful intentions: “We come in peace. If the police don’t engage us, the day will end well.” Meanwhile, Nairobi’s CBD remained calm at the time of publication, with businesses open, traffic flowing smoothly, and no visible police presence.

What began as a political procession following Gachagua's arrival quickly descended into chaos along Mombasa Road. Goons unleashed violence, leaving journalists injured and vehicles damaged. Standard Group and Royal Media Services (RMS) reporters covering the event were caught in the attacks, with their vehicles pelted with stones and rammed by other cars. A Standard Group crew, including Brian Otieno, Collins Oduor, Jeff Kirui, Steven Otieno, and Geoffrey Muitai, bore the brunt of the assault, with Kirui sustaining injuries and being hospitalized. An RMS journalist was also injured while filming the procession. The convoy, initially on the Eastern Bypass, was diverted to Enterprise Road before returning to Mombasa Road amidst the escalating violence.

Gachagua’s US tour, which began on July 9, was aimed at drumming up support for his presidential ambitions and courting potential partners ahead of the 2027 election. During his stay, he held town hall meetings with Kenyans in various cities including Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, Missouri, and California, and also opened satellite branches of the DCP, including one in Boston. The trip concluded abruptly last week, with Gachagua stating he needed to return to Kenya to join the DCP in preparation for upcoming by-elections. He expressed regret for cutting his trip short and rescheduled visits to remaining states for early 2026.