Gachagua to Depart Nairobi Wednesday Night for US Diaspora Outreach Tour

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua departed for a two-month tour of the United States on 9 July, his first international trip since leaving office in October 2024. 

The visit is strategically timed to garner diaspora support and attract foreign investment in advance of the 2027 general election. The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader outlined his itinerary at a Nairobi press briefing, stating that he will visit Dallas, California, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore. Gachagua plans to host town hall meetings, attend cultural events, and engage with American investors interested in partnering with the opposition coalition. 

His central aim is to address Kenyans in the diaspora and the international community regarding "the state of the nation," positioning the opposition as a viable alternative to the current government. The tour occurs against a backdrop of heightened domestic unrest. Recent nationwide protests, fuelled by economic grievances, accusations of police brutality, and contentious government policies, have drawn international attention. 

The demonstrations, reaching a peak during the Saba Saba commemorations, have prompted calls for accountability from human rights organisations. Gachagua's departure has been preceded by claims of attempted government interference. He alleged that individuals affiliated with President William Ruto threatened to obstruct his travel, characterising the move as politically motivated. Gachagua defiantly said, "If you want to come and arrest me at the airport... you can go ahead."

In a press conference responding to President Ruto's comments on the protests, Gachagua criticised the president's leadership style. He urged Ruto to abandon an "angry and defensive posture," arguing that this approach fails to address the underlying causes of public discontent. 

"Mr Ruto, I want with a lot of humility to advise you to stop being angry. That will not help you," Gachagua said, adding, "The people of Kenya are more angry than you are."

Gachagua attributed the unrest to economic hardship and perceived governance failures. He cited the controversial Housing Levy, increased taxation, and the decline of middle-class livelihoods as primary drivers of public frustration. He also condemned alleged extrajudicial killings, abductions, and ethnic profiling, advocating for the restoration of constitutional norms and the rule of law. 

"If you want to be calm, please abolish the Housing Levy and give dignity to the pay slips," he asserted, arguing that a revitalised middle class is essential for creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Comparing Ruto's leadership with that of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, Gachagua argued that their respect for institutional independence enabled them to manage political opposition without resorting to repression. He remarked, "They did not capture institutions to work for them," suggesting that the current administration has not maintained similar standards.

Gachagua's US tour represents a strategic political manoeuvre to mobilise support from the diaspora and international stakeholders. This tour mirrors recent diaspora outreach efforts by other opposition figures, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who launched a similar initiative in Texas earlier this month.