The government has been thrown into unease
as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua jets back and plans huge
processions and rallies in the city.
The plane carrying the DCP leader
will touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at noon after six
weeks in the US, where he openly badmouthed the government.
Gachagua’s remarks abroad, in which
he painted a grim picture of Kenya’s leadership and accused unnamed figures of
sabotaging his office, have set off alarm bells within the administration.
Insiders say his return is being
watched closely by security agencies and State House operatives, fearful that
he may escalate his rhetoric on home soil.
Already, Interior Cabinet Secretary
Kipchumba Murkomen has said security operators are on high alert to protect
citizens and their properties even as Gachagua’s party called for one million
supporters to throng JKIA for the grand return.
“The security agencies are adequately prepared to deal with any security issues,” Murkomen said.
He cautioned against any efforts to disrupt public order during the reception.
“We are very prepared. At all times, the National Police Service is ready to protect citizens and their property.”
The CS spoke on Tuesday during
his Jukwaa la Usalama
tour in Murang’a county.
He added that legal action would be taken against anyone who incites
violence or disturbs the peace.
Meanwhile, the Democracy for the Citizens Party announced plans for a grand public reception at JKIA.
In a statement on Monday, DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala urged supporters to assemble at the airport to welcome Gachagua.
“We call on the people of Kenya to show up at JKIA at 8am to receive our leader, Rigathi Gachagua,” Malala said.
After Gachagua’s arrival, DCP has scheduled what it describes as the “mother of all peaceful processions” from the airport to Nairobi's Central Business District, culminating in a public rally at Kamukunji grounds.
Nairobi DCP Patron Irungu Nyakera also called on supporters to turn out in large numbers to welcome Gachagua at the airport.
“We proudly welcome our party leader. We are calling on all DCP supporters to come to JKIA to welcome our boss,” Nyakera told the Star.
Nyakera, who is eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, said the show of unity and strength is crucial in affirming Gachagua’s influence.
He urged residents to treat his arrival as a statement of solidarity, signaling that Nairobi remains firmly behind the DP.
