‘BAD WEATHER’ – DP Gachagua Forced To Make Emergency Landing In Njoro
On Saturday morning, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was forced to make an emergency landing at a school due to what his team described as “bad weather.”
The incident has reignited debate about the availability and dependability of official transportation for Kenya’s second-in-command.
This follows recent controversies over the alleged withdrawal of military helicopters previously at his disposal.
Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, were on their way to Njoro for a memorial service for the late David Chepkwony, husband of Njoro MP Charity Kathambi.
See how Njoro residents Protected Gachagua after emergency landing Hanifa Imenti House KES 5.15 Nikita Kering #FreeAoko pic.twitter.com/OKfgxPLY6N
— Udaku girl (@kanyaa_diana) August 17, 2024
The couple’s helicopter landed prematurely at Nduriri Primary School, shortening their trip to the event at Kimugul Primary School Grounds in Mauche Ward.
The Deputy President, known for his straightforward communication style, handled the unexpected landing with a mix of humour and resolve.
“Since I was born, I have never set foot here,” Gachagua quipped in Kikuyu, before adding, “I was coming from Eldoret, going to Nakuru for a function. The pilot told me that the plane cannot go any further.”
Despite the abrupt change in plans, he assured those present of his intention to land at that location.
“We were able to land, and I decided to come and see my people.”
However, the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing have fueled speculation.
Gachagua’s team remained tight-lipped about the specifics, offering only the mention of adverse weather conditions.
BREAKING: DPs chopper makes an emergency landing
— Record TV Kenya 🟠(@RecordTVKenya) August 17, 2024
Bad weather makes Gachagua's Chopper make an emergency landing in Njoro pic.twitter.com/rdHyzjTg1P
The Deputy President’s office also declined to comment on whether the incident was related to the ongoing issues with his official transport.
Njeri Rugene, the Head of Communications at Gachagua’s office, declined to provide any additional information but confirmed that no one was injured.
She also confirmed that Gachagua and his wife were able to proceed to the Kimugul Primary School grounds.
Later that afternoon, the Deputy President flew to Juja, Kiambu County, to attend the wedding of Paul Wetosi and Shiru Koimburi, the daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi.
This latest incident follows a public incident in June, when Gachagua was forced to apologize to President William Ruto for arriving late to the Akorino National Prayer Conference in Nakuru.
On that occasion, Gachagua, who had arrived in a private helicopter, was nearly an hour behind the President, allegedly due to a last-minute cancellation of planned transportation.
The controversy over Gachagua’s access to official transportation escalated further when former Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale withdrew Gachagua’s access to military choppers.
The CS later announced that the Deputy President would soon receive a repurposed police helicopter worth Ksh2 billion.
The rebranded Augusta Westland helicopter, which was originally purchased in 2017 for police surveillance, is expected to be handed over to Gachagua within weeks after reconfiguration.
This move comes after Gachagua’s previous request for a Kenya Air Force plane was reportedly denied due to unavailability.
‘BAD WEATHER’ – DP Gachagua Forced To Make Emergency Landing In Njoro
