Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s highly anticipated return to Kenya took a dramatic twist on Thursday morning after chaos broke out at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
What was meant to be a grand welcome quickly turned tense when a group of rowdy youths attacked his supporters with stones near the airport’s exit junction.
According to reports shared by The Star here, the anti-Gachagua youths stormed the gathering chanting slogans against him before pelting stones, forcing his supporters, who had camped overnight awaiting his arrival, to scamper for safety.
Police officers who had been deployed in anticipation of large crowds moved in swiftly. Anti-riot units were seen dispersing the attackers, while GSU personnel and water cannons secured the main airport road to stop further escalation.
By midday, calm had been restored, though several vehicles parked near the airport sustained minor damage during the melee.
No major injuries were reported, but the incident has already raised questions about the charged political climate surrounding Gachagua’s comeback. Interior officials confirmed that the heavy security presence was deliberate, citing fears of possible clashes between rival factions as political temperatures continue to rise.
Gachagua, who has been in the United States for nearly two months, is expected to address his supporters at Kamukunji Grounds before heading to his Wamunyoro home.
His allies have framed his return as the start of a new political journey ahead of 2027, but the violence at JKIA paints a picture of the rough road that lies ahead.
Analysts say the confrontation is a reminder that the battle lines are already being drawn, and that Gachagua’s growing popularity outside state power could continue to attract resistance. The images of his supporters being dispersed by police after the standoff are likely to dominate debate both online and offline.
For now, the former DP’s message at Kamukunji will be closely watched to see whether he calls for calm, or escalates his defiance.
By Nairobi