Malala Explains Why Opposition Co-Principals Were Absent at JKIA During Gachagua's Return

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has explained the absence of key opposition principals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's homecoming on Thursday.

Speaking on Friday, Malala noted that the opposition leaders' decision to skip the airport reception was strategic, aimed at preventing potential disruption by hostile groups who had planned to block them.

"Yesterday we made invitations to all the leaders in the United Opposition, and their not coming to the airport was strategic because we already had information that they would want to block all of us in one place, so we had agreed that the other principals would join us in the rally," Malala explained.

The DCP deputy leader dismissed speculation about cracks within the opposition alliance following the notable absence of prominent leaders including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, and DAP Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa at the airport reception.

According to Malala, the airport reception was designed as a party-specific event, while the planned rally at Kamukunji grounds was intended to be a joint opposition gathering.

However, the rally was disrupted when hostile groups blocked leaders on Mombasa Road.

"I know it is the wish of the other side for us to be divided but we want to assure our supporters that we are united today as you can see we had planned to go and watch the Harambe Stars match but we've received a lot of intimidation and a lot of police have been deployed to block us," Malala stated.

To demonstrate unity within the opposition ranks, former Deputy President Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka appeared together on Friday at Gachagua's residence, where they watched the Harambee Stars versus Madagascar match alongside their political allies.

The clarification comes after Gachagua's highly anticipated return to Kenya on Thursday following a six-week stay in the United States. The DCP party leader arrived at JKIA at noon amid heightened security and was received by thousands of enthusiastic supporters who had gathered since early morning.

The homecoming drew massive crowds of predominantly young supporters who lined the roads from the airport, displaying colorful banners in DCP party colors with messages welcoming their leader home.

Several political leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu and his Kiambu counterpart Karungo wa Thang'wa, were present at the airport to welcome Gachagua, showing solidarity within his political base.

However, the celebratory mood was marred by security incidents along the route from JKIA. Chaos erupted around the City Cabanas area on Mombasa Road when organized groups of young men disrupted the procession by hurling stones at the convoy carrying Gachagua and his allied leaders.

Several people, including journalists, were reported injured during the disturbances.