Security was heightened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning ahead of the expected arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
A contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers was deployed to the airport’s primary screening area as early as 6 a.m., with briefings held before passengers began trooping in for morning flights.
Two water cannons were also stationed near Terminal 1A in what officials described as precautionary measures.
The elaborate security arrangements came just two days after Democratic Congress Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala urged Kenyans to converge at JKIA to welcome Gachagua back, promising a massive reception.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, however, downplayed the event, describing Gachagua’s return as “ordinary,” while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning against attempts to incite unrest.
“Anyone trying to cause chaos will face the full force of the law,” Murkomen said, reiterating that the government would not allow airport operations to be disrupted.
By 9 a.m., operations at Terminal 1A were running smoothly, with passengers moving through immigration and check-in counters without interruption.
Authorities assured travellers that the airport would continue operating normally regardless of political activity.
