Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he secretly traveled from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County aboard a Toyota Probox. This was done to evade potential security threats following his return from the United States. Gachagua explained that he deliberately kept his travel details confidential to prevent both crowds and potential assailants from tracking his movements.
Gachagua stated that during his previous return from the US, he had announced his return dates, and his fans were waiting for him at the airport. He claimed that there were plans for him to be assassinated, and goons had been organized to end his life. However, he credited divine intervention and the quick action of local youth for protecting him during his previous arrival. This experience led him to take strict security measures during his latest return.
To ensure complete secrecy during his latest return, Gachagua withheld his travel itinerary even from his close staff and security detail. He never told anyone he was coming, including his drivers or bodyguard, because he knew that people talk a lot. He also refrained from taking photos at the airport to prevent any real-time tracking of his location. These measures were taken to maintain his safety and security.
Gachagua explained his decision to swap his standard high-profile convoy for a basic utility vehicle, stating that high-end vehicles would have immediately alerted those monitoring his travel. From the airport, he boarded a Probox because he knew even his big cars would be trailed. This low-profile travel choice allowed him to move undetected and safely reach his home in Nyeri.
Gachagua had departed for the United States on August 26, 2026, before making his unannounced return to Kenya on Tuesday, October 20. He later resurfaced for political engagements at his home in Nyeri. His secret return and low-profile movements have raised concerns about his safety and security, as well as the security measures in place for high-profile individuals.
The incident highlights the security challenges faced by prominent individuals in Kenya. Gachagua's decision to take matters into his own hands and use a low-profile vehicle to evade potential threats raises questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. It also underscores the need for improved security protocols to protect high-profile individuals from potential threats.
Gachagua's revelation has sparked a national conversation about the safety and security of prominent individuals in Kenya. His experience serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those in public office and the need for robust security measures to protect them. The incident will likely lead to a review of security protocols and measures to ensure the safety of high-profile individuals in the country.
Key points
- Gachagua used a Toyota Probox to secretly return to Kenya from the US, evading potential security threats.
- He withheld his travel itinerary from his close staff and security detail to maintain secrecy.
- Gachagua's experience highlights the security challenges faced by prominent individuals in Kenya and the need for improved security protocols.
