Rigathi Gachagua's Homecoming: Excitement as Supporters Gather at JKIA ahead of Ex-DP's Arrival
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua cut short his US trip over the looming November by-elections
- The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) released a schedule of activities ahead of Gachagua's arrival
- Photos seen by TUKO.co.ke show hundreds of Gachagua's supporters, including Members of Parliament, at JKIA despite a heavy police presence
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Hundreds of Kenyans have started trooping in at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Twitter
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader cut short his US trip to steer his party in the upcoming by-elections.
DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala announced elaborate plans to welcome the former deputy president upon his arrival at JKIA.
Malala urged the party supporters to turn up in large numbers at JKIA amid fears that the government might detain Gachagua upon landing.
Ahead of his arrival at noon, hundreds of Kenyans have already thronged JKIA to receive the one and only 'truthful' Kenyan leader.
Which MPs have arrived at JKIA to welcome Gachagua?
The atmosphere is electric as chants, songs, and flags light up the airport grounds as the supporters wait for Gachagua's arrival.
Some of Gachagua’s strong supporters camped overnight at JKIA ahead of his return from the US.
The party shared photos and videos of excited supporters who have already arrived at the airport to receive the leader, whom they have branded 'king'.
Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara is among DCP party leaders who have already arrived at the airport.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua is also among opposition leaders who have been spotted at JKIA to receive Gachagua.
"Current situation JKIA is already full na bado...Tuko kwa ground tukingoja KING. Our leaders at JKIA, eagerly waiting to welcome Riggy G’s arrival," DCP party said.
Has DCP notified the police about the Kamukunji rally?
From the airport, Gachagua's convoy will have a procession through the CBD to the Kamukunji grounds, where he will address a political rally.
"We have formally notified the police, and we shall receive our King with honour and dignity, leading a peaceful procession from JKIA through the CBD to Kamukunji," Malala said.
Police have also been mobilised, as several armed officers and water cannons have been spotted strategically positioned at JKIA ahead of Gachagua's arrival.
Source: Twitter
A contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers arrived at the primary screening area as early as 6am, even as operations at the airport remained calm.
Has the Nairobi Expressway been closed?
Meanwhile, Moja Expressway dismissed reports that it had closed the Nairobi Expressway ahead of the former deputy president's return from the United States.
Reports had emerged on social media claiming the elevated highway would be temporarily closed for the purposes of motorists' safety as Gachagua's anticipated procession makes its way to the city centre from JKIA.
However, in a statement, Moja Expressway, which manages the toll road, said the highway is fully operational, with no cause for alarm.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
