Water Cannons, Anti-Riot Police Deployed at JKIA Ahead of Gachagua’s Return
A heavy police presence has been reported at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from his U.S. tour.
By Thursday mid-morning, anti-terror police officers had taken positions at the airport, with water cannons strategically stationed around the premises.
Supporters of Gachagua, dressed in Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) outfits, gathered at the airport to welcome their leader.
“Our countdown is at two hours. He has seen how many Kenyans are here to receive him, and this shows he is listening and connected to the people’s struggles,” one supporter told Citizen Digital.
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Gachagua, who was impeached last October after clashing with President William Ruto, is returning home after six weeks in the United States. During his stay, he engaged Kenyans in the diaspora, held rallies, and criticized Ruto’s government over corruption, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations.
His return, however, could spark a standoff between his supporters and the authorities. While the DCP has urged over one million supporters to turn up at JKIA, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that the government will act if the mobilisation causes unrest.
Gachagua is expected to head to Kamukunji grounds after landing, but CS Murkomen has stressed that the rally can only proceed if police are formally notified to allow proper security arrangements.
The CS further insisted that the government will not permit unsanctioned gatherings that may disrupt peace and business in Nairobi.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also confirmed that the National Police Service (NPS) is in charge of the security plan and assured that order will be maintained during Gachagua’s arrival.
Water Cannons, Anti-Riot Police Deployed at JKIA Ahead of Gachagua’s Return
