WATER CANNONS, ANTI-RIOT POLICE DEPLOYED AT JKIA AHEAD OF GACHAGUA’S RETURN

A heavy police presence was witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday August 21, 2025, morning ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return to the country.
By 8:30 a.m., several anti-riot police trucks, including water cannons, had been stationed at strategic points around the airport, while General Service Unit (GSU) officers patrolled the area. Authorities said the measures were precautionary to maintain order as supporters of Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) planned to receive him.
Despite calls by party leaders for a “mother of all processions” from JKIA to the city centre, normal airport operations continued without disruption. Passenger movement and flights at Terminal 1A remained smooth as police directed traffic and monitored crowds.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned that security agencies would not tolerate any attempts to incite chaos, citing intelligence reports of possible disruptions. However, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja downplayed fears of unrest, describing Gachagua’s arrival as an “ordinary” event and assuring Kenyans that security was fully under control.
By mid-morning, only small groups of DCP supporters had gathered at the airport, with the anticipated mass turnout yet to be seen.