Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua did not address the much-hyped political rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds on Thursday amid claims by his DCP party that there were plans to arrest him at the event.
According to Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the DCP party, police officers had been deployed to block Gachagua’s procession and rally at the grounds.
“We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed police officers. They planned to arrest him but we said no,” Malala said.
The former deputy president arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly before 2 pm, where he was greeted by supporters and political allies.
A convoy of vehicles escorted him from the airport, with crowds lining the streets and chanting his name and waving placards. Excitement built throughout the afternoon as his supporters waited at Kamukunji, where he was due to address them.
By mid-afternoon, the grounds were filled with people who had gathered from different parts of Nairobi and beyond, eager to hear his message.
However, despite the hype, Gachagua did not make any public remarks.
Allies of Gachagua, including Malala, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, addressed supporters at the stops, even though Gachagua was conspicuously absent.
His whereabouts were unclear, but his allies vowed to escort him to Karen.
“We have brought the boss home. We will ensure he spends the night in his bedroom,” Malala said.
Goons Attack Convoy
As Gachagua’s convoy left the airport for Kamukunji Grounds, it was met with chaos around the Cabanas area along Mombasa Road as goons pelted the convoy with stones.
Images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed rowdy youth throwing stones at vehicles in the convoy.
The rival groups also barricaded the road with large rocks and stones, paralysing traffic and disrupting movement.
Earlier this week, Malala had announced plans for a mega procession to welcome the DCP leader, who had been in the United States for slightly under two months.
