Nairobi — Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from a six-week trip to the US on Thursday erupted in chaos as his motorcade was pelted with stones by gangs along Mombasa Road, leaving several people injured. The homecoming procession began with jubilant supporters at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – some holding placards praising the embattled ex-DP – but turned violent near the General Motors junction when youth armed with rocks and weapons ambushed the convoy.

Journalists covering the event were caught in the melee; a Citizen TV cameraman suffered head injuries from flying debris and a KTN News crew had their car vandalized and equipment stolen by the attackers. Police deployed tear gas as running battles ensued on the highway, temporarily turning the Nairobi thoroughfare into a scene of chaos.

Gachagua’s political allies, led by former senator Cleophas Malala, accused President William Ruto’s administration and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the disruption. They claimed security forces attempted to block Gachagua’s welcome and stood by as hired goons attacked. “We wanted to receive our party leader but they deployed officers... We want Ruto to respect human rights,” Malala told the crowd, alleging a ploy to frustrate the Deputy President’s faction.

Some of Gachagua’s supporters also directed their ire at Sakaja, accusing the governor of hiring the stone-throwing youths to derail the event. By evening, the Media Council of Kenya and press freedom advocates had condemned the attacks on journalists, urging authorities to investigate and ensure those responsible are held accountable.