Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has left Kenya for an approximately 50-day tour of the United States, as he continues to strengthen his political network and position his Democracy for Citizens Party, DCP, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua departed the country on Wednesday night, August 26, accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. Speaking shortly before his departure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gachagua said the first 10 days of the trip would be dedicated to resting, re-energising and spending time with his family after months of intense political activity.
His political engagements are scheduled to begin in Spokane, Washington, from September 4 to September 10. He will then proceed to Portland, Oregon, where he is expected to meet members of the Kenyan diaspora and hold further political engagements.
From September 16 to September 24, Gachagua is scheduled to travel to Kansas, followed by Dallas, Texas, from September 24 to October 1. His final listed stop is Boston, Massachusetts, where engagements are scheduled from October 1 to October 9.
The tour comes at a time when Gachagua is intensifying his political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. His DCP party has been seeking to expand its influence beyond the Mount Kenya region while engaging with other opposition political formations.
Gachagua is expected to use his time in the United States to interact with Kenyans living in the diaspora, discuss his political agenda and strengthen support for his party.
His departure also comes amid heightened political activity in Kenya, with opposition leaders holding consultations on possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. Gachagua has previously advocated for greater opposition unity as political parties prepare for the next General Election.
The former Deputy President’s extended absence is therefore expected to attract considerable political attention, particularly as parties continue positioning themselves and building alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
