Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received a jubilant welcome upon his arrival at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington, USA, as he began a highly anticipated tour aimed at engaging Kenyans living in the diaspora. His arrival on Wednesday night was marked by songs, dance, and celebration from enthusiastic supporters, reflecting a renewed wave of support following his political comeback as the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
“This love and support is unmatched,” Gachagua said in a statement shared on his X platform, accompanied by videos and photos of smiling Kenyans who gathered at the airport waving flags and chanting slogans of encouragement.
Gachagua, who is accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, said his visit would focus on listening to and addressing the concerns of Kenyan citizens abroad. He emphasized that the diaspora plays a critical role in Kenya’s socio-economic development and vowed to be their voice in advocating for more inclusive national policies.
“I am here to kick off my diaspora engagement with Kenyans in the USA. We will have open discussions on the challenges they face, their ideas for a better Kenya, and the way forward,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President, ousted from office in October 2024, has since reinvented himself politically. His travel to the US marks his first international trip since his removal, signaling a potential attempt to bolster his global profile and reconnect with his support base abroad. Prior to his departure, he was seen off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by a group of close allies, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
According to Gachagua, the US tour will span two months and will include a series of town hall meetings, forums with diaspora organizations, and engagements with international stakeholders.
His tour is seen as both a political and diplomatic endeavor as he seeks to reposition himself in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
