NEW POLITICAL ENIGMA?

The return of former Deputy President, doubling as the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua — after a six-week tour of the United States — was met with an unexpected reception marked by an enigmatic and almost magnetic charm.

His Thursday, 21 landing at JKIA quickly turned dramatic when thousands of jubilant supporters thronged the International Arrivals section, forcing security teams to escort him out through an alternative gate. The ecstatic crowd, chanting “Riggy G” and “son of Mau Mau,” hailed him as a fresh opposition force set to topple ODM leader Raila Odinga, known as Kenya's longtime opposition leader.

Gachagua had to cut short his US itinerary to focus on the upcoming by-elections. In a message to his diaspora supporters, he apologized for the abrupt change and pledged to reschedule the meetings come early 2026.

The homecoming, however, took an unexpected turn. Despite earlier communication that he would address a grand rally at Kamukunji Grounds, the event was cancelled moments after his convoy made several stopovers along Mombasa Road. At Ole Sereni, party officials directed the cheering crowds to disperse, saying Gachagua was heading home without offering a reason for the cancellation.

Tensions flared earlier in the day as his convoy came under attack near Airport North Road and City Cabanas, where groups of youths pelted vehicles with stones. Several people were injured, including journalists covering the return. Cars belonging to leaders in the convoy were also damaged, with some reporters losing equipment in the chaos.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu later alleged that police had plotted to arrest Gachagua upon arrival, claiming that about 200 officers had been stationed at the airport. According to him, the sheer size of the crowd disrupted the plan, enabling the DCP leader to proceed with his supporters.

Gachagua later on extended his gratitude for the enormous turnout of his supporters.
" Thank you my great people of Kenya, for the love, " his X post read.

With his U.S. tour now behind him, Gachagua’s attention shifts to consolidating his party’s strength ahead of the looming by-elections — a test that could shape his next chapter in Kenya’s turbulent political landscape.