Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing the crowd in Kagio in Kirinyaga County/X
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressed supporters in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, while wearing protective gear that included a military-style helmet and a bulletproof vest, an unusual sight in Kenya’s political campaigning.
In the image shared on his X account, Gachagua is seen standing through the sunroof of a vehicle, holding a handheld microphone as he speaks to the crowd.
He is dressed in a bright green long-sleeved shirt layered under a dark ballistic vest, with the protective gear visibly strapped around his torso. A black helmet, commonly associated with tactical or security operations, is firmly secured on his head.
The combination of civilian clothing with protective equipment differed from the suits, branded shirts, or party regalia commonly worn at public rallies.
The appearance came amid heightened security concerns following earlier disruptions along his route to the event.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing the crowd in Kagio in Kirinyaga County/X
Gachagua’s choice of dressing came hours after his convoy encountered teargas in Sagana as he and Nyandarua Senator John Methu travelled to Kagio for a public engagement.
Images circulating online showed vehicles turning back amid reduced visibility.
In a tweet hours later, Gachagua said they braved the pushback and reached their destination in one piece.
“Despite the heavy attack…, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment…we reached the very heart of Kirinyaga County—Kagio!
The people of Kirinyaga are resilient and courageous, united as one in the pursuit of change on August 10th, 2027!
God bless you, and God bless Kenya!” Gachagua captions the photos.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing the crowd in Kagio in Kirinyaga County/X
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing the crowd in Kagio in Kirinyaga County/X
A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. /JOHN METHU
A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. /JOHN METHU
A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. /JOHN METHU
A convoy carrying Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ran into teargas on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. /JOHN METHU