It was a day full of drama as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua jetted back after six weeks tour of the US.

From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through Mombasa highway, Gachagua’s return was punctuated by armed goons who attacked his convoy. 

The theatre started at the airport after Gachagua’s allies­ led by DCP deputy leader Cleopas Malala, were barred from accessing certain sections. Gachagua touched down aboard Ethiopian Airline a few minutes past noon. Then followed a joyous rapture from his followers as he emerged from his car sunroof.

Some wielded placards with statements praising the impeached DP on his return as they chanted anti-Ruto slogans of “wantam and Kasongo” while playing to the tune of the convoy music.

The crowd had gathered at the airport and sang in joy as their leader acknowledged their welcoming gesture. But the joy lasted just a short while as the crowd faced goons just as the convoy touched Mombasa road.

The youths pelted the convoy with stones, disrupting the celebration among DCP followers. Mombasa Road heading to Capital City of Nairobi, was a field of drama and chaos. 

The procession of sleek vehicles and motorcycles was attacked by goons who robbed people of their valuables. Along the highway, the hum of engines and ululations was interrupted by shrill cries, the air charged as teargas were lobbed at the motorcade. As the convoy surged towards General Motors, it emerged that journalists were among those injured while covering the procession. 

Citizen TV’s videographer sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital while KTN crew was robbed of their car keys, leaving them stranded and terrified as goons threatened them. 

“It was very fidgeting. The windows of our vehicle were shattered and goons kept pelting stones at us, holding a knife to a colleague. We are lucky to be alive,” recounted Brian Otieno, a Standard reporter. 

“They broke the window on second attempt and gained access, demanding that we hand them our belongings. I told them they had taken everything,” shared Collins Oduor, a photojournalist with The Standard. 

The motorcade made a stop near Airtel where the opposition leaders addressed the crowd, castigating President William Ruto of frustrating the welcome, claiming police were deployed to block Gachagua’s reception.

“We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed police officers. They planned to arrest him but we have said no. We want Ruto to respect human rights,” said Malala. 

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu called on the international community to intervene and “rescue the country.”

Embaskasi North MP James Gakuya slammed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of hiring goons to disrupt Gachagua’s return. “It is a sad day. We are in a democratic country yet we are being attacked as if we are thugs. Sakaja, this is childish character,” he said.