Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued his strategic tour of the United States by engaging with Kenyan communities living in Worcester and Boston, Massachusetts. The visit forms part of his broader efforts to solidify international support, seek development partners, and popularise his Democratic Congress Party (DCP) ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
During his meetings on Saturday, Gachagua acknowledged the critical role of the Kenyan diaspora in driving the country’s economic development. He pointed out that diaspora remittances now top the list of foreign exchange earners for Kenya, outpacing traditional exports such as tea, coffee, and tourism.
“The current highest foreign exchange earner comes from diaspora remittances, surpassing income from tea, coffee, and tourism,” Gachagua told the gathering.
The former DP stressed the importance of engaging the diaspora in serious conversations about how to enable more impactful contributions to national progress. He urged Kenyans abroad to view themselves not just as supporters from afar but as active participants in Kenya’s development agenda.
“Together, we can harness the full potential of our diaspora as a powerful force for sustainable development,” Gachagua said.
His tour of the US comes amid heightened political activity in Kenya as the country gradually shifts focus to the 2027 elections. Gachagua, who has hinted at a possible presidential bid, is using the tour to re-energize his political base and introduce DCP to a global audience of Kenyans.
The outreach in Worcester and Boston followed similar engagements in other US cities, where Gachagua has been calling on the diaspora to consider investing more in Kenya, participate in policymaking, and support leadership that aligns with their values and aspirations.
With a keen eye on 2027, Gachagua’s engagements in the US demonstrate a calculated move to rally financial and political support while reinforcing the message that the diaspora has a central role to play in shaping Kenya’s future. His message has resonated with many abroad who remain eager to influence change back home.
