He stepped out of the international arrivals terminal incognito; his Stetson hat and denim jacket belying the storm that shadowed him.
But for the hundreds of Mr Rigathi Gachagua’ s supporters who had camped at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) overnight, vigilance was everything.
A few minutes past 1pm when he landed, confusion radiated with the foul stench of foreboding when word spread that the former Deputy President might not pass through the main exit as expected.
Chaotic arrival: Scuffle between Gachagua supporters and police at JKIA
The waiting crowd shuffled frantically between access points with their “One Term” chants rippling through the pregnant air, as bewildered travellers were swept into the chaos.
Many stood back, clutching their luggage, watching from a distance as anticipation curdled into frustration and the airport morphed into a stage of raw political theatre.
Members of the DCP party are stationed outside the international arrivals section of JKIA, awaiting the arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
The confrontation came to a head when Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala was stopped from accessing restricted areas just as Mr Gachagua’s plane touched down.
Mr Malala protested loudly, alleging harassment, as police stood their ground.
“They want to arrest him and we will now allow it, we will not leave here without him,” he told the charged crowd as they forced their way into the VIP arrivals section.
For a moment, the scene gravitated between a welcoming party and physical mayhem.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leaves JKIA after this arrival on August 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
By the time Mr Gachagua finally emerged escorted by a tight cordon of his security, the waiting crowd erupted.
They broke into song and dance, some waving placards, others recording on their phones, with the spectacle instantly going viral.
The man at the centre of it all raised a hand in brief acknowledgment but spoke little, letting the throngs press forward and carry the energy of the day.
In a convoy, he then drove out of the airport in SUVs only to be met by another restless crowd of supporters waiting beyond the gates.
Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua face off with goons on Mombasa Road following his arrival at JKIA on August 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
A few kilometres down the road, Mr Gachagua stepped out of his vehicle and waved briefly to the cheering masses before slipping back inside and speeding off. As the convoy snaked its way down Mombasa Road, chaos exploded at the Cabanas junction.
A rival group lying in wait suddenly poured onto the highway, hurling stones and barricading the road with rocks. Mr Gachagua’s bodyguards leapt forward, wielding clubs, but were quickly forced back.
In the span of five breathless minutes, the convoy was battered—with vehicle windows shattered and tyres ripped open—before it finally forced its way through the barricade.
Royal Media Services photojournalist Wilberforce Ogunga was struck on the head with a stone. Badly injured, he was rushed to Mater Hospital for medical attention.
Members of the DCP party are stationed outside the international arrivals section of JKIA, awaiting the arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
Addressing the attack, Nyandarua Senator John Methu tore into President William Ruto’s government, accusing him of orchestrating the chaos.
“Do not hide behind goons and police officers,” he charged. “Why would you hire thugs to disrupt a peaceful homecoming? We know your leadership is at its tail end, and we want to tell you—come out and face us directly.”
The convoy had been destined for Kamukunji grounds but the possibility of another ambush forced a swift change of plans.
The convoy later stopped with the leaders making addresses condemning the violence. Mr Malala accused the State of attempting to silence dissent.
Manyatta MP John Mukunji lashed out at Dr Ruto, saying, he had “no moral authority to lecture us on corruption and tribalism.”
“How can you throw tear gas canisters at people who have only come to welcome their leader? We warn you—your time is coming,” Mr Mukunji charged.
Security deployment outside JKIA airport upon the arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu echoed the accusations, alleging State-sponsored violence.
“We saw a helicopter circling, coordinating the goons who attacked our convoy.”
“This is a sad day for our country,” he said. Through it all, Mr Gachagua maintained a stance of studied silence.
He did not address the crowd, choosing instead to let the chaos, the shattered windscreens, and the fiery words of his allies speak to the turbulence of his return.
