Why opposition chiefs did not receive Gachagua at JKIA - Malala

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala has addressed the absence of opposition co-principals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from the United States of America, while dismissing claims of cracks within the alliance

Speaking on Friday from Gachagua’s Karen residence, where the DCP leader hosted allies and supporters, Malala clarified that the absence of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People's Liberation Front (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i was a strategic decision.

He explained that their intelligence reports indicated a plot to block the united opposition alliance leaders expected to proceed to Kamukunji grounds, with allegedly hired goons mobilised along Mombasa Road.

To avert possible chaos, Malala said the principals agreed to skip the airport reception and instead join supporters later at the rally.

“We made invitations to all the leaders, and their absence at the airport was strategic,” Malala said.

“We already had information that there were plans to block all of us in one place. So, we agreed that the other principals would meet us at the rally. The reception was simply a party (DCP) affair, and the rally was a joint event.”

Malala further assured opposition supporters that their alliance remained intact despite efforts by rivals to sow division.

“I know it is the wish of the other side for us to be divided, but we want to assure our supporters that we are united. As you can see, our leaders had even planned to attend the Harambee Stars match, but we have received a lot of intimidation, with heavy police deployment to block us,” he stated.

Later on Friday, Kalonzo visited Gachagua at his Karen residence, a gesture observed to further ease fears of rifts within the coalition.

The two leaders, joined by other opposition figures, watched Harambee Stars’ clash with Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, projecting an image of solidarity.

The events of Friday, Malala said, were a clear sign that the alliance was prepared to adapt to threats and intimidation while safeguarding their unity.