Gachagua leaves for US in first trip abroad since ouster

He was seen off at the JKIA by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and a few of his allies.

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

News09 July 2025 - 21:58

In Summary

Gachagua earlier said the trip was a visit aimed at engaging with Kenyans and other stakeholders based in the US.
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), revealed last month that he would undertake a two-month tour of the US.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua left the country on Wednesday night for the United States, in what he earlier described as a visit aimed at engaging with Kenyans in the diaspora and other international stakeholders.

“Tonight, I will be travelling to the US to talk to Kenyans in the diaspora and the international community about the state of the nation,” he said during a press conference earlier in the day.

The trip marks Gachagua’s first travel abroad since his removal from office in October 2024.

He was seen off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and several allies, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and other leaders.

Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), revealed last month that he would undertake a two-month tour of the US.

He is expected to visit Dallas, California, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore, where he will hold town hall meetings and attend social gatherings to promote his agenda for the diaspora community.

While he has yet to formally declare his candidacy for the 2027 General Election, Gachagua has vowed to rally support to ensure President William Ruto serves only one term.

Under the 'wantam' slogan, he and fellow opposition figures—including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party head Martha Karua, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i—have launched an aggressive mobilisation campaign ahead of the next polls.

Sources indicate that Gachagua is also scheduled to meet US investors reportedly interested in partnering with the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

His visit comes just days after Matiang’i took his 2027 presidential campaign to the international stage, beginning a series of diaspora engagements with a town hall meeting in Texas.