CS Promises Action Over Gachagua Homecoming Unrest

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing criticism over violent clashes that broke out at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and along major Nairobi roads following his return from the United States on Thursday. 

His arrival on Thursday, intended as a show of support for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), was quickly overtaken by unrest. Gachagua landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a large crowd of supporters. However, what began as a peaceful reception turned chaotic when clashes broke out between rival groups and unidentified individuals. 

The violence resulted in injuries, property damage, and the disruption of planned political rallies. Confrontations along major roads leading into Nairobi served as a stark reminder of the country's vulnerability to politically charged conflict.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen criticised the organisers of the event for failing to notify police in advance, saying this lapse put public safety at risk and breached protocols for high-security areas such as airports. Although the government has pledged to investigate attacks on Gachagua’s convoy and incidents involving journalists, opposition leaders have accused it of using the unrest as a pretext to silence political dissent.

DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala and allied members of parliament have openly blamed the state for fuelling the violence, accusing it of attempting to intimidate the opposition. Their statements, made during roadside rallies, reflect the growing distrust between government officials and political rivals. Allegations of state-sponsored violence have further strained relations and could complicate efforts to foster national unity ahead of the next election.

Particular concern has been raised over the treatment of journalists covering the event. Reporters from Citizen TV, Standard Group, and TV47 were reportedly assaulted, robbed, and had their equipment destroyed. The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) have strongly condemned the attacks and called on the Inspector-General of Police to take urgent action. 

These incidents have been described as a direct threat to press freedom. In his first major statement since returning, Gachagua accused the state of deliberately orchestrating the violence. He dismissed Murkomen’s promise of an investigation as “hypocrisy and doublespeak,” indicating a deep lack of trust in the government's intentions.