Song and dance as Gachagua, his supporters leave JKIA

Gachagua touched down at JKIA at around 1pm and was received by a group of political allies.

by SHARON MWENDE

News21 August 2025 - 14:30

In Summary

Gachagua touched down at JKIA at around 1pm and was received by a group of political allies and supporters who had gathered at the airport earlier in the day.
Shortly after his arrival, he departed the airport in a convoy accompanied by supporters, with many donning party colours and chanting slogans in his support.

*Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's convoy leaving JKIA for Kamkunji on August 21, 2025/SCREENGRAB*

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy has left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) headed to Kamukunji following his arrival from the United States.

Gachagua touched down at JKIA at around 1pm and was received by a group of political allies and supporters who had gathered at the airport earlier in the day.

Among those in the welcome team were DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu

Shortly after his arrival, Gachagua departed the airport in a convoy accompanied by supporters, with many donning party colours and chanting slogans in his support.

Security was visibly heightened around the airport and along the route as the convoy made its way towards the city centre.

*Former DP Rigathi Gachagua flanked by his supporters from JKIA.*

On Monday, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala announced plans for what he described as the “mother of all peaceful processions” from JKIA to the Nairobi CBD, culminating in a public rally at the symbolic Kamukunji Grounds.

“We shall have a mother of all peaceful processions from JKIA to CBD and later address a public rally at Kamukunji Grounds,” Malala stated.

The party also confirmed that police had been notified in advance to provide security for the day's events.

Nairobi DCP Patron Irungu Nyakera urged residents to view Gachagua’s return as a show of solidarity, signaling that Nairobi remains firmly behind the former Deputy President.

Gachagua had spent six weeks in the United States, where he mobilised supporters and held public forums with Kenyans in the diaspora.

During the tour, the former DP continued his sharp criticism of President William Ruto — even leaving a "Wantam" mark on Meta’s Facebook wall.

The phrase has since been adopted by sections of the opposition as a rallying cry in their push to unseat Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

President Ruto, who maintains a substantial political following, has previously dismissed the slogan. His supporters have countered with the phrase “Tutam,” indicating their intention to secure him a second term.