Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has commenced his first official international engagement since leaving office in October 2024, meeting with members of the Kenyan diaspora in the United States. Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), held a town hall-style meeting on Friday in Seattle, Washington State, where he described the session as “engaging and fruitful.”
The gathering marked the beginning of a two-month tour across various US cities, including Dallas, California, Boston, and Baltimore. The aim of the tour, according to Gachagua, is to reconnect with Kenyans abroad, listen to their views on the state of the nation, and galvanize support for a new political agenda rooted in citizen-led governance.
Speaking to attendees in Seattle, Gachagua praised the diaspora community for its candidness, resilience, and patriotism. “I had an engaging and fruitful deliberation with Kenyans in Seattle, Washington State,” he said. “I have heard their concerns about our nation and their hope for a better Kenya, which we in the DCP Party not only believe in but also share.”
Gachagua acknowledged the widespread frustration among Kenyans, both at home and abroad, over the country’s current direction. He said the honest feedback from the diaspora had deepened his commitment to push for change. “I am deeply concerned by the pain every Kenyan in every corner of the world has on the direction our beloved Nation is taking,” he remarked. “This gives us the greatest impetus to move forward strongly, more than ever before, to liberate our Nation.”
The trip also includes meetings with international stakeholders and community leaders. Gachagua is accompanied by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, who is expected to engage with diaspora-based faith and women’s groups during the tour.
This visit underscores Gachagua’s intent to reestablish his political presence and build a support base among Kenyans abroad, positioning himself as a voice for reform amid growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration. His U.S. engagements could be a pivotal step in reshaping his political trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
