By Murugi Ndwiga
Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Embu have vowed to stage naked demonstrations if the government arrests him upon his return from the United States.
Rallying under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the group accused the State of “political intimidation” targeting Gachagua, who has been abroad strengthening ties and lobbying support for the opposition party.
Led by Beth Kariuki, the loyalists warned of a county-wide backlash if Gachagua is detained at the airport. “If they dare arrest Gachagua, we will storm the streets naked to demand his immediate release,” Kariuki told a charged rally, insisting Embu residents were ready to defend their leader at all costs.
Other supporters echoed her sentiments, accusing the government of undermining democracy. John Karimi Nthoithi urged the State to respect dissenting voices, warning against persecution of opposition leaders.
DCP youth representative James Mugambi Ireri argued that Gen Z supporters had been unfairly silenced, tying Gachagua’s impeachment to broader attempts to stifle young political voices. “We will turn up in large numbers at the airport to welcome our leader,” Ireri vowed.
Meanwhile, Edda Njeri said Gachagua’s growing grassroots popularity had unsettled the ruling elite, noting his endorsement could swing the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
With his homecoming shaping into a high-stakes political showdown, supporters have promised a massive show of force, warning that any attempt to detain him will spark “unprecedented resistance.”