The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has announced elaborate plans to welcome its leader Rigathi Gachagua back to the country on Thursday, after his political tour of the United States was cut short.
Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala on Monday called on Kenyans to gather at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from 8am to receive the former deputy president, promising a major show of strength by the party.
“We call on the people of Kenya to show up at JKIA at 8am to receive our leader, Rigathi Gachagua,” Malala said in a statement. “We confirm that we will, as a party and as the people of Kenya, gather in large numbers.”
According to DCP, the reception will be followed by a peaceful procession from the airport into the Central Business District, culminating in a rally at Nairobi’s symbolic Kamukunji Grounds. The party said police had been notified in advance to provide security.
Gachagua had initially been expected to return on September 8, but the visit was cut short to enable him to spearhead DCP’s campaigns ahead of by-elections in several constituencies, including Mbeere North in Embu County which the party has flagged as a priority.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the polls for November 27, covering parliamentary races in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava and Ugunja, as well as a Senate contest in Baringo.
Writing on social media, Gachagua said his US tour, which he described as a political outreach mission, had been “very successful and fulfilling”. He added: “I held serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora, and I’m coming home energised to revive the Wantam Movement, which is gaining traction across the country.”
