Former Kenyan deputy president Rigathi Gachagua landed at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday after a six-week tour of the United States, drawing thousands of chanting supporters in Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) colours. Police in anti-riot gear used water cannons to keep crowds behind security barriers as Gachagua was escorted through the terminal and into a waiting convoy. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier warned that any unauthorised rallies would be dispersed, insisting the arrival was a routine immigration matter. DCP officials, led by deputy leader Cleophas Malala, nevertheless announced a procession from the airport through the central business district to Kamukunji grounds, accusing the government of plotting to block the event. Gachagua’s U.S. trip combined fundraising and town-hall meetings with diaspora Kenyans, during which he sharply criticised President William Ruto’s administration for alleged corruption, extrajudicial killings and other rights abuses. His return sets up a fresh confrontation with the government ahead of looming by-elections, with both security agencies and opposition organisers signalling they will not back down.