Rigathi Gachagua to Hold Rally at Kamukunji Grounds after Landing from US: "Assemble at 8am"

Rigathi Gachagua to Hold Rally at Kamukunji Grounds after Landing from US: "Assemble at 8am"

  • Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is expected back in the country this week after weeks in the United States
  • His Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) called on supporters to gather at JKIA for a major procession and rally in Nairobi
  • The group also raised alarm over alleged plans to frustrate his return, warning of strong reactions

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has more than three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has stirred political anticipation, with his party preparing a dramatic reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Rigathi Gachagua to hold a mega rally
Rigathi Gachagua's party has announced a mega party upon his arrival from US. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Facebook

In a statement released by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the former deputy president is scheduled to land in Nairobi on Thursday, August 21, at midday.

The party has mobilised supporters to assemble at JKIA from as early as 8am to usher him back.

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Where will Gachaguaa hold a rally upon his return?

Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala announced that the day would begin with what he described as a peaceful procession from the airport to the city centre, culminating in a public rally at Kamukunji Grounds.

Malala said the gathering would be a show of unity and support for Gachagua, who has been abroad for several weeks engaging with Kenyan communities in the diaspora.

The party, however, raised concern about alleged moves by the government to interfere with Gachagua’s arrival.

According to DCP, there were claims that the administration might divert his flight to Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Kisumu International Airport for purposes of arresting him.

Malala insisted that any such plan would be firmly resisted by the party’s supporters.

“We want to be very particular and candid. Any attempt to arrest Gachagua once he lands in the country will be met by our supporters across Kenya,” Malala said in the statement.

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He further urged the police to provide security, cautioning them against clashing with citizens who would be participating in the welcome event.

Rigathi Gachagua
Rigathi Gachagua with Cleophas Malala during a previous DCP rally. Photo: DCP.
Source: Facebook

Will Gachagua's supporters disrupt CHAN games in Nairobi?

Speaking separately, Malala warned that detaining Gachagua on Thursday could spark protests among his supporters and cause unrest in the capital.

He added that such a move would come at a delicate moment, as Kenya is currently hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

According to Malala, arresting Gachagua while the country is under global attention through the tournament would damage President William Ruto’s reputation in the international arena.

"If you arrest Gachagua, the following day, you will see demonstrations, and yet the Harambee Stars will be playing on Friday. I am sure that if Gachagua is apprehended, we will not be able to see the Harambee Stars play the quarter final on Friday," Malala warned.

What did Murkomen tell Gachagua ahead of his arrival?

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In a related development, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen asked Gachagua to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over his recent claims about government dealings with armed groups.

He said the allegations needed to be formally presented upon Gachagua’s return.

Murkomen questioned the former deputy president's mental well-being, suggesting that the stress of his impeachment and removal from office might have taken a toll.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Harry Ivan Mboto avatar

Harry Ivan Mboto (Current affairs editor) Harry Ivan Mboto is an accredited journalist with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at TUKO. He is a Linguistics, Media, and Communication student at Moi University and has over three years of experience in digital journalism. Have a news tip, query, or feedback? Reach him at: harry.ivan@tuko.co.ke.

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