Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua missed a much-anticipated political rally at Kamukunji Grounds on August 21, 2025, amid claims from his DCP party that there were plans to arrest him during the event. Despite the presence of a large crowd and significant media attention, Gachagua did not address his supporters, leaving many wondering about his whereabouts.
Claims of Impending Arrest
According to Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the DCP party, police officers had been deployed to block Gachagua’s procession and rally. Malala accused the authorities of planning to arrest Gachagua but stated that they would not allow it.
“We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed police officers. They planned to arrest him but we said no,” Malala commented, expressing his frustration at the situation.
Gachagua’s Arrival and Absence from the Rally
Gachagua returned to Kenya from the United States earlier in the day, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before 2 pm. He was welcomed by excited supporters and political allies. A convoy of vehicles escorted him from the airport, and crowds lined the streets chanting his name.
However, despite expectations, Gachagua did not make any public appearances at Kamukunji Grounds, where a crowd had gathered in anticipation. His allies, including Malala, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, addressed the crowd in his absence, while Gachagua’s whereabouts remained unclear.
Rival Groups Disrupt the Procession
While Gachagua’s convoy made its way to Kamukunji, it encountered significant disruption near the Cabanas area along Mombasa Road. Rival groups threw stones at the convoy, leading to chaos. Videos and images from the scene showed rowdy youths throwing stones at vehicles and blocking the road with rocks, paralyzing traffic.
A Political Standoff and Uncertainty
Despite the chaos, Gachagua’s allies remained determined to protect their leader, with Malala promising that they would ensure Gachagua would return safely to his Karen residence.
“We have brought the boss home. We will ensure he spends the night in his bedroom,” Malala assured supporters.
The situation raised tensions in the Kenyan political sphere, with conflicting reports about Gachagua’s status and the potential political ramifications of the day’s events.
Conclusion
The Kamukunji rally that was expected to be a grand political return for Rigathi Gachagua ended in confusion, with the former Deputy President conspicuously absent. Amid rumors of a planned arrest, Gachagua’s allies rallied behind him, but the day’s events only deepened the political intrigue. The confrontation between Gachagua’s supporters and rival groups, combined with the presence of police and political tensions, has left many questions unanswered as the political drama continues to unfold.
