DP Gachagua Forced to Make Emergency Landing After Political Event
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was compelled to make an emergency landing at a school on Saturday morning, with his team attributing the incident to “bad weather.”
This event has reignited discussions about the adequacy and dependability of official transportation for Kenya’s Deputy President, following recent controversies about the alleged withdrawal of military helicopters that were previously available to him.
Gachagua, who was on his way to a memorial service in Njoro for the late David Chepkwony, husband of Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
The helicopter carrying the couple made an unplanned landing at Nduriri Primary School, cutting their trip short to the event at Kimugul Primary School Grounds in Mauche Ward.
The Deputy President, known for his candid approach, responded to the unexpected landing with humor and determination.
“I’ve never been here before,” Gachagua joked in Kikuyu, adding, “I was traveling from Eldoret to Nakuru for a function, but the pilot informed me that the plane couldn’t continue.”
Despite the sudden change in plans, he reassured those present, “We managed to land, and I decided to visit my people.”
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However, the details surrounding the emergency landing have fueled speculation. Gachagua’s team did not provide additional information beyond citing adverse weather conditions.
The Deputy President’s office has also avoided commenting on whether the incident relates to ongoing issues with his official transport.
Njeri Rugene, Head of Communications at Gachagua’s office, confirmed in a phone interview with Kenyans.co.ke that no injuries were reported but refrained from offering further details.
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She also confirmed that Gachagua and his wife proceeded to Kimugul Primary School Grounds and later flew to Juja, Kiambu County for the wedding of Paul Wetosi and Shiru Koimburi, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi.
This incident follows a public event in June where Gachagua had to apologize to President William Ruto for arriving late at the Akorino National Prayer Conference in Nakuru.
At that time, Gachagua arrived on a private chopper nearly an hour behind the President, allegedly due to a last-minute withdrawal of planned transport.
The controversy over Gachagua’s access to official transport intensified when former Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the withdrawal of Gachagua’s military choppers and the allocation of a repurposed Ksh2 billion police helicopter to him instead.
The rebranded Augusta Westland chopper, initially acquired in 2017 for police surveillance, is expected to be given to Gachagua in a few weeks after reconfiguration.
This decision follows reports that Gachagua’s request for a Kenya Air Force plane was declined due to its unavailability.
In response, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei instructed the Inspector General of Police, Japheth Koome, to release one of the three grounded Italian-made Augusta Westland (AW139) helicopters for the Deputy President’s use.
Despite assurances from government officials, ongoing transport issues have led some to question whether Gachagua is receiving the full support and resources appropriate for his position.
DP Gachagua Forced to Make Emergency Landing After Political Event
