The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, is set to make his first official appearance during the Harambee Stars vs Madagascar quarter-final match in Kasarani, just hours after missing his much-hyped rally at Kamukunji grounds.
The party made the announcement, notifying its supporters of the party leader’s next moves after his return to the country on Thursday, August 21.
“DCP Party Leader Hon Rigathi Gachagua to Attend the Harambee Stars vs Madagascar Quarter Finals Match in Kasarani tomorrow,” the notification message read in part.
The announcement elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some warmly welcoming him to the match, while others challenged him to offer financial support to motivate the team, as the President has been doing.
“Let him give something to the team, we are not seeing his motivational support to Harambee Stars,” a concerned Kenyan opined.
Gachagua landed in the country on Thursday after spending 42 days in the US, where he campaigned for his ‘Wantam’ agenda against President William Ruto.
His return was marred by drama and tension as his supporters flocked to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome him.
His planned public appearance at the Kamukunji rally was, however, thwarted amid claims by his DCP party that there were plans to apprehend him at the event.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala alleged that 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 apprehend him, but we said no,” Malala alleged.
Gachagua is expected to attend the match, which will kick off at 5 p.m., marking a pivotal moment for Kenya’s national football team as they seek to advance to the semi-finals of the continental tournament.
This comes after Kenya was given a go-ahead to increase the stadium capacity to 80 per cent, up from 60 per cent in the Zambia match.
