Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced the exact date and time he will land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after cutting short his trip to the United States.
Speaking through a statement on Thursday, August 14, Gachagua confirmed he will jet back into the country on Thursday, August 21, at exactly 12 noon.
He said his early return is meant to allow him to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in preparing for upcoming by-elections across the country.
“I had a very successful and fulfilling visit to the United States with important engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora. Unfortunately, I will not be able to visit the remaining states as planned.
I must return home to focus on our party’s campaigns,” he stated, apologising to organisers and promising to reschedule the missed visits for early next year.
The announcement comes amid mounting tension following threats from government officials to arrest him upon arrival.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala has alleged there are plans to divert Gachagua’s flight to Kisumu or Mombasa airports to avoid the huge reception expected in Nairobi. He urged supporters in all three cities to turn out in large numbers to welcome their leader.
“This is more than a welcome. It is a message to the world that Kenya belongs to her people, not a clique that uses state power against its citizens,” Malala said.
Gachagua’s return is now expected to draw massive crowds and intense political attention.
