Chaos erupted on Thursday afternoon on Mombasa Road after suspected goons pelted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy with stones, causing heavy traffic disruption. Police responded by lobbing tear gas to disperse surging crowds.

Gachagua landed safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he was welcomed by thousands of supporters who had gathered to receive him after his six-week stay in the United States.

The Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader touched down as scheduled past noon on Thursday, August 21, amid tight security. He was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that had been waiting since early morning to welcome him home.

Upon landing, Gachagua acknowledged the enthusiastic reception from his supporters, who had braved the heavy security presence to welcome him.

He took time to wave and greet the crowd before the procession officially departed from JKIA.

Everything was smooth until the convoy reached Imara Daima, near a roundabout on the Airport North Road, where they ran into contingents of goons that had been waiting.

They reportedly threw stones at the motorcade, slowing it down as some of Gachagua's supporters took to their heels for their safety.

A section of the DCP leader's supporters retaliated, prompting the intervention of the police on standby, who immediately launched tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The chaotic display disrupted the traffic flow there for a time before Gachagua's convoy advanced toward the city.

Gachagua's allies, speaking later in their first spotover on Mombasa Road, linked the attack to the state.