Nairobi was full of tension on Thursday as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua failed to speak at the much-publicized Kamukunji rally.
Thousands of his supporters had gathered, expecting a big political statement. Instead, they left confused and worried after the politician did not address them.
The event was organized by the DCP party, where Gachagua is the leader. According to the party’s deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, police had been deployed to stop the rally and even arrest Gachagua.
“We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed police officers. They planned to arrest him but we said no,” Malala told the crowd.
📰 Also Read This:
Earlier in the day, Gachagua landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) just before 2 pm.
At the airport, supporters and allies gathered, waving placards and chanting his name. Many of them had waited for hours, eager to welcome him back after his two-month stay in the United States.
From the airport, a long convoy of vehicles escorted him. Excited crowds lined up along the roads, creating a carnival-like atmosphere as he moved toward the city.
By mid-afternoon, Kamukunji Grounds were already full. People had traveled from Nairobi and even from other counties, hoping to hear the former Deputy President speak.
But as time went by, there was no sign of him taking the stage. His allies kept the crowd engaged, but the absence of Gachagua was impossible to ignore.
Several leaders close to Gachagua addressed the people.
They included Cleophas Malala, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu.
They spoke strongly against what they called intimidation by the state.
Malala went further, telling the crowd that Gachagua would be taken safely to his Karen home.
“We have brought the boss home. We will ensure he spends the night in his bedroom,” Malala declared.
The day was not without violence.
As Gachagua’s convoy moved along Mombasa Road, around the Cabanas area, it was attacked.
Rowdy youth, described as goons, began pelting stones at vehicles in the convoy.
Videos and photos circulating online showed shocking scenes of broken windscreens and people ducking for safety.
The attackers also placed huge rocks and stones on the road, blocking traffic and bringing movement to a standstill.
The clashes caused panic among ordinary motorists and passengers caught in the middle of the chaos.
A Rally That Never Was
Despite the high expectations, Gachagua never addressed the Kamukunji rally. His silence has left many questions.
Why did he not speak? Was he stopped by police? Did he fear arrest?
The DCP party insists there was a clear plan by authorities to detain him at the rally. But no official confirmation has been given.
For supporters who had traveled long distances, the day was a huge disappointment.
Many had hoped to hear a strong political message from their leader, especially after his time away in the United States.
Instead, they went home without hearing a single word from him.
The events at Kamukunji show how tense Kenya’s political space has become.
If it is true that Gachagua was facing arrest, then his silence may mark the start of a new political battle.
For now, his allies remain defiant, saying they will continue standing by him no matter what.
But ordinary Kenyans are left with more questions than answers after a dramatic day in Nairobi.
