The Democratic Citizen Party of Kenya (DCP) has urged Kenyans to mobilize and gather at three strategic locations on Thursday, August 21, to receive former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua upon his return from the United States.
Addressing the media on Monday, August 18, the deputy party leader, Cleophas Malala, confirmed that Gachagua's return remains on schedule and called for massive public support during his arrival.
"Last week, we announced that our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, will return to the nation on Thursday, 21st August at noon from the United States of America. We want to confirm that his return is still as scheduled," Malala announced during the press conference.
The DCP has called on Kenyans to converge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from 8 a.m. to receive Gachagua, with plans for what they described as ‘a mother of all peaceful processions’.
"The procession will begin from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Central Business District (CBD) and later address a public rally at the hallowed Kamkunji grounds," Malala explained.
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Malala also assured supporters that the DCP had notified the Inspector General of Police about the planned activities and demanded security provision in advance.
"The police are hereby notified to provide security, and they should not dare to demonstrate against the people of Kenya," Malala stated.
DCP expressed concerns about potential government interference, claiming they have information about plans to arrest Gachagua upon arrival or divert his flight to alternative destinations.
In response, the party has encouraged supporters also to prepare to receive Gachagua at Kisumu and Mombasa airports as backup locations.
Malala warned sternly against any attempts to arrest the former Deputy President, suggesting the response would differ from that during his impeachment.
"Take notice that any attempts to arrest His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua once he lands in the country will be met by our supporters across the country. We remember when His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua was impeached. He implored his supporters to remain calm and resort to singing. This time round, the song will be of a different rhythm," he warned.
The former Deputy President announced on August 14 that he would be cutting short his US tour and returning to the country to prepare for the upcoming by-elections.
“I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organizers and Kenyans whom I was to meet; the same has been rescheduled for early next year,” he stated.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala, days later, alleged that there was a plan to arrest and detain Gachagua upon his return.
"Their plan upon his arrival at JKIA is to abduct, intimidate, brutalize, and eventually place him under house arrest, cut him off from his supporters, and deny him the right to address the nation,” Malala alleged. “They want to kill his voice and his body at the same time. But let this be clear: the country will grind to a halt if they dare lay a hand on him.”
