In a brazen display of political resilience, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is storming back into Narok, turning a local homecoming into a national statement of defiance.

Rigathi Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is heading to Narok North today for a high-stakes homecoming event for a DCP aspirant. The visit is charged with tension, coming just months after his dramatic "panya route" entry into the same county in November 2025. Back then, police roadblocks forced the former second-in-command to don a helmet and navigate village paths on a motorbike to evade authorities—a moment that cemented his image as a grassroots fighter unbowed by state intimidation.

The Battle for the Grassroots

Today`s event is ostensibly to celebrate Douglas Masikonde, a DCP loyalist, but in reality, it is a flex of Gachagua’s political muscle. Since his fallout with the current administration, Gachagua has been relentlessly touring the country, positioning himself as the voice of the "besieged" common man. His return to Narok, a region where he faced teargas and police barricades previously, is a deliberate challenge to his detractors.

"They can block the roads, but they cannot block the will of the people," Gachagua declared during his last chaotic visit. His strategy is clear: paint the government as paranoid and repressive while casting himself as the fearless underdog. The "homecoming" is expected to draw thousands, serving as a litmus test for his popularity outside his Mount Kenya stronghold.

• The Flashback: In November 2025, Gachagua’s convoy was blocked by over 1,000 police officers. He famously used local guides to bypass the blockade, emerging in Narok town to a rapturous reception. That incident has become folklore among his supporters, symbolizing his "villager" persona.
• The Stakes: The DCP is trying to establish a national footprint ahead of the 2027 elections. Winning a ward seat or drawing massive crowds in Narok—a traditional swing zone—would send a powerful signal that Gachagua is a viable presidential contender, not just a regional kingpin.

A Thorn in the Side

The government’s response to Gachagua’s tours has been heavy-handed, often involving teargas and cancelled permits. This has only served to amplify his message. By treating him as a threat, the state has inadvertently elevated his profile, keeping him in the headlines and rallying sympathy to his cause.

As Gachagua’s motorcade winds its way towards Narok North today, security agencies are on high alert. Will they allow the event to proceed peacefully, or will we see another cloud of teargas? Whatever happens, Gachagua has already won the battle for attention, proving that even out of office, he remains the most disruptive force in Kenyan politics.