Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has raised alarm over plans to divert the flight of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to Kisumu or Mombasa instead of Nairobi.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, August 18, 2025, Malala said intelligence reaching the party indicated that there were schemes to reroute the plane to either Kisumu International Airport or Moi International Airport in Mombasa with the intention of arresting Gachagua upon arrival.

According to Malala, the party had already mobilised its members to prepare for any such scenario. He explained that supporters would be stationed in both Kisumu and Mombasa to receive their leader should the diversion plan be executed.

“We are also informed that there is a plan to divert this plane to either Kisumu or Mombasa international airports to arrest him there. We have also requested our members to plan and receive him in those respective airports,” Malala said.

He further noted that the party would not take lightly any attempt to apprehend Gachagua once he lands back in the country. Malala stressed that supporters had been placed on standby across the country to respond to such a move.

Malala recalled that Gachagua had in the past urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid protests, only resorting to song and dance as a form of expression. However, he warned that this time the atmosphere would be different, signalling a more charged response should there be any attempt to detain their leader.

“we want to be very candid and particular on this matter. take notice that any attempt to arrest Hon. Gachagua once he lands in the country, will be met by our supporters in the country. We have asked our supporters to be on standby. Remember when our party leader gachagua implored upon his supporters to remain calm and not demonstrate? If so, then it should be through song and dance, but this time the song will be of a different rhythm,” he added

Update on Gachagua’s return

During the presser, Malala also reaffirmed that Gachagua’s return date is slated for Thursday, August 18, 2025, as planned and has not changed, urging Kenyans to come out in large numbers to receive the man of the moment, Rigathi Gachagua, who has been out of the country for over a month.

He also announced that the DCP leader, upon landing, his supporters will match with him from JKIA to the CBD.