Nairobi: Anti-Riot Police, Water Cannons Deployed at JKIA Ahead of Gachagua's Return
- A heavy security build-up was seen at JKIA as Rigathi Gachagua’s return from the US drew near, with elite police units taking up positions around the airport
- Crowds in DCP colours streamed to the airport gates from dawn, chanting and waving flags as they braved roadblocks and tightened checks
- Helicopters circled low over JKIA and its access roads, keeping watch on swelling crowds while armed officers sealed off parts of the arrival terminal
- Police water cannons and trucks lined key points along Mombasa Road, signalling authorities’ resolve to counter any disruption
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
A heavy security presence was witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the much-anticipated return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua from his tour of the United States.
Source: UGC
A heavy contingent of anti-riot police, the General Service Unit (GSU), and anti-terror squads had taken up positions across different sections of the country’s busiest airport.
The heightened security came as supporters of Gachagua trooped to the airport to welcome the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader back into the country.
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Crowds began to gather near the JKIA entrance as early as dawn, chanting slogans and waving party colours.
Officers patrolled access roads along Mombasa Road, while security checks were intensified at entry points to the airport.
A helicopter was also seen hovering over JKIA and its environs, monitoring the swelling crowds from above.
Water cannons and police trucks were stationed at strategic points to deter any disruption, while groups of heavily armed officers were observed sealing off sections around the arrival terminal.
How did IG Kanja assure Kenyans?
The security operation comes a day after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja sought to downplay fears of unrest during Gachagua’s much-anticipated return.
After a joint forum with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kanja insisted that the arrival was an ordinary event and that police were fully in charge.
Kanja emphasised that the National Police Service was prepared to ensure normalcy prevailed, even as mobilisation messages from the DCP encouraged supporters to turn up in their thousands.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also cautioned Gachagua and his allies against attempts to disrupt public order.
Source: Facebook
Murkomen claimed intelligence reports had flagged possible plans for chaos linked to the DCP mobilisation drive.
He warned that any illegal demonstrations at JKIA or along the Nairobi route would be met with firm legal action.
How has DCP been mobilising for Gachagua's welcome?
As earlier reported, DCP has been rallying its supporters across the country, urging over one million people to throng JKIA and Nairobi streets to welcome back their leader.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala confirmed earlier in the week that Gachagua would land at JKIA at noon before leading a procession to Kamukunji grounds for a major address.
The party indicated it had notified police of its itinerary and expected cooperation to avoid confrontation.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
