Heavy security deployment has been witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and along Mombasa Road as authorities prepare for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's scheduled return from the United States.
On Thursday, August 21, multiple units of security personnel, including regular police, General Service Unit (GSU), and military officers, have been positioned at strategic locations around the airport and major access routes.
Photos from the scene show extensive security arrangements with armored personnel carriers, water cannons, and heavily armed officers taking positions around JKIA.
Military trucks loaded with personnel have been spotted along key routes, while specialized police vehicles, including riot control units, have been deployed at the airport’s Terminal 1B, which hosts international arrivals.
Airport workers in high-visibility vests can be seen coordinating with security personnel, indicating extensive preparation for crowd management and potential traffic disruptions during Gachagua's arrival and subsequent procession.
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The massive security deployment follows Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's ultimatum regarding the Democratic Citizen Party's planned activities.
Speaking in Nyandarua on Wednesday, Murkomen had emphasized that any political gathering must follow established protocols, including proper police notification.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala had earlier accused the government of planning to deploy state-sponsored militia to disrupt their peaceful procession.
"Unfortunately, last night, we were informed that the Nairobi County Governor, in cohorts with the CS for Interior, Mr Kipchumba Murkomen, held several meetings and has activated their state-sponsored goons to cause harm to innocent citizens," Malala claimed. "This is being done by one Chief of Staff, one David, in connection with the following members of Parliament, George Aladwa and the Dagoretti North MP, Mama Beatrice Elachi."
The Democratic Citizen Party announced elaborate plans, including receiving the former Deputy President at JKIA at noon, followed by a procession through the Central Business District, and culminating in a public rally at Kamukunji grounds.
The party called on supporters to converge at the airport from 8:00 AM, potentially creating significant crowd management challenges that appear to have prompted the extensive security deployment visible in the photos and videos seen by Nairobileo.co.ke.
Gachagua's return comes after he announced on August 14 that he would cut short his six-week United States tour 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,” Gachagua stated.
