Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has defended the heavy police presence at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and along Mombasa Road on Thursday, August 22, 2025, saying officers were only carrying out their duty to protect public property and visitors, not out of fear of Rigathi Gachagua’s return.

The presence of armed police had raised questions among Kenyans, with many linking it to the chaos that could arise from the former Deputy President’s arrival from the United States.

Gachagua cut short his two-month trip after six weeks to return home ahead of the upcoming by-elections. His homecoming stirred debate both online and on the ground, with critics suggesting the government was unsettled by his return.

But Ngunjiri dismissed those claims. Speaking on Friday, August 22, 2025, during a political talk show aired by a local radio station, he insisted that the officers stationed at the airport were on normal duty to ensure order and protect foreign guests using the facility.

“There is nothing the government is scared of. The police at the airport were protecting the airport. Remember, we have guests, foreigners who are there who need to be protected,” said Ngunjiri.

He added that the role of the police was to prevent damage or disruption to property, stressing that their presence should not be misinterpreted.

“The police were doing their work, protecting things to avoid being spoiled,” he explained.

Ngunjiri also cited a tragic incident on Thursday, August 22 2025, that, in his view, underscored the importance of police patrols.

“We lost two boys yesterday who were on a bike. They came and started looting. I saw this while I was going home. They were beaten by people until death. If the police were there, maybe they could be protected,” he said.

He urged Kenyans not to demonise the police for carrying out their responsibility.

“Let’s not blame the police all the time because they are there also to do their duty,” Ngunjiri added.

His remarks come at a time when the government has faced growing criticism over the frequent deployment of large numbers of officers at public gatherings and political events. While some view the heavy presence as intimidation, leaders like Ngunjiri frame it as a necessity for maintaining order.

With Gachagua back in the country and political temperatures rising ahead of the by-elections, the role of the police is likely to remain under scrutiny. Ngunjiri’s defense underscores the wider debate over how the state should balance security concerns with the protection of political freedoms.