It was a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and unity as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and politician Martha Karua graced the inaugural Ngemi Cia Ruraya (Songs of the Village) Kenyan music festival held at Saghalie Park in Seattle, Washington.
The event, held over the weekend, attracted hundreds of Kenyans living in the diaspora, eager to reconnect with their roots through song, dance, traditional food, and cultural displays. Gachagua, accompanied by his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi and Karua, received a warm welcome from attendees who celebrated their presence with cheers and ululations.
The former Deputy President described the event as “memorable” and took to social media to reflect on its significance. “Music is a powerful messaging medium that, over the years, has been effective and efficient,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Accompanied by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, my sister Martha Karua, and surrounded by vibrant music and rich cultural heritage, we danced the night away, celebrating our roots and unity.”
Gachagua emphasized the importance of such events in fostering national pride, identity, and cohesion among Kenyans, both at home and abroad. “Sharing cultural experiences not only embodies humanity but also reminds Kenyans of who we are as a people with a shared destiny,” he stated, adding, “A Kenyan Ever! God bless Kenya!”
The Ngemi Cia Ruraya festival showcased a blend of traditional and contemporary Kenyan music, with performances that cut across generations and ethnic lines. Artisans and food vendors offered a taste of home, turning the park into a mini Kenya.
Gachagua’s visit to the United States, his first international trip since his removal from office in October 2024, is part of a broader initiative to reconnect with the diaspora and strengthen partnerships abroad. His appearance alongside Karua also symbolized a message of unity across political lines.
As the music played on and Kenyans danced under the Seattle night sky, the festival proved to be more than entertainment—it was a reaffirmation of identity and a celebration of unity beyond borders.
