The government has deployed a large contingent of police officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lined up near the airport on Thursday.
The heightened security presence comes ahead of Gachagua’s much-anticipated return from his tour of the United States, with anti-riot police and other specialised units stationed across different sections of the airport.
Water cannons and police vehicles were also positioned at key points to deter any disruption.
By mid-morning, contingents of the General Service Unit (GSU) had taken up positions, while regular police patrolled access routes leading to the airport.
Lorries carrying anti-riot squads were spotted arriving early in the day as supporters of the former Deputy President gathered in large numbers.
A helicopter was also spotted circling JKIA and its environs as police beefed up security at the airport and along Mombasa Road.
Witnesses reported a possible confrontation between rival groups, prompting police to intervene and disperse parts of the crowd to prevent clashes from escalating.
The standoff briefly disrupted traffic flow in and around JKIA as security teams remained alert to avert any security risks.
The former second in command is expected to land in the country at around 1pm, from where he is expected to address his supporters and proceed to Kamkunji ground in Nairobi or other political engagements.
His return, however, faces a possible face-off between his supporters and the authorities.
Gachagua's party has called for over one million supporters to throng JKIA to welcome their leader. However, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has maintained that the government is prepared to take legal action should the mobilisation degenerate into lawlessness.
Gachagua's Apprehension
Meanwhile, the National Police Service has distanced itself from allegations that it plans to apprehend Gachagua upon his arrival in Kenya.
Addressing the press on Thursday morning, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, said Gachagua's arrival in Kenya was an ordinary event and that the latter would be handled just like any other citizen.
