Violence erupted in Kenya’s capital on Thursday, with police deploying teargas, as impeached former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua returned from a political tour in the United States.
Gachagua campaigned for President William Ruto during the 2022 election but the two dramatically fell out last year, leading to his impeachment, and he has now become one of Ruto’s most vocal opponents.
He has been touring the United States since July, watched warily by officials, with interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen warning on Tuesday his return posed a “security threat” to the country.
Gachagua is among opposition leaders hoping to oust Ruto at presidential elections in 2027.
Hundreds of his supporters thronged Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to welcome him back but what was meant to be a triumphant return quickly descended into violent chaos.
Despite a heavy police presence surrounding the airport, supporters blocked one of the international arrival gates — much to the surprise of arriving tourists — overwhelming officers.
Chants of “Wantam”, a popular anti-Ruto slogan coined by Gachagua meaning “one term”, filled the air as he left JKIA in a large convoy.
His cavalcade drew thousands waiting outside the airport, causing heavy traffic jams, with supporters clashing with opponents as the convoy used one of Nairobi’s main highways from the airport.
Groups of young men and motorbike riders hurled stones at his motorcade, in a chaotic melee that police attempted to disperse with tear gas.
An AFP photographer witnessed several people wounded during the violence.
The clashes followed another warning from Murkomen that security services should prepare for a “chaotic environment as a result of his coming back to the country”.
Gachagua cut short his trip to the United States, where he had been promoting his political party and mobilising voters before the 2027 vote, to campaign for upcoming local by-elections.
“Thank you, my great people of Kenya for the love. I am happy to be back home,” he posted on X.
