Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his planned trip to the United States, saying he is seeking to engage the Kenyan diaspora and international partners on the state of the nation—just days after the deadly Saba Saba demonstrations that left multiple casualties and widespread destruction.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9, Gachagua called on his supporters to understand his decision to leave the country at a time when Kenya is grappling with political unrest and rising public anger. The former DP, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), also claimed that individuals close to President William Ruto had attempted to intimidate him into cancelling the trip.
“Tonight, I will be travelling to the U.S. to talk to Kenyans in the diaspora and the international community about the state of the nation,” Gachagua said. “I would have wanted to stay in the country at this very difficult time when our people are under siege, but I have engagements that I’m not able to postpone.”
He added that threats had been made against his travel plans, with some individuals allegedly vowing to block his exit at the airport.
“I have been threatened by people close to President Ruto, who called some of my people today that they will want to stop me from leaving the country. If you want to come and arrest me at the airport as you are threatening us, you can go ahead, I don’t have a problem.”
Despite the tensions, Gachagua said plans were in place to support young protestors arrested in connection to the Saba Saba demonstrations.
“As I am out of the country—if I’m not stopped—we have made sufficient arrangements with other leaders in the United Opposition to create a pool of lawyers to come in for our young people.”
U.S. Tour to Woo Diaspora and Investors
Reports indicate that Gachagua is scheduled to visit Dallas, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore between July and August. He will host town hall meetings and attend social events aimed at mobilizing support from the Kenyan diaspora ahead of the 2027 general election.
He is also expected to meet American investors and business leaders in a bid to position the DCP-led opposition as a credible and progressive alternative to President Ruto’s administration.
This will be Gachagua’s first international trip since he was ousted from office in October 2024, following fallout within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the wave of Gen Z-led protests that reshaped the political landscape.
Rejects Ruto’s Overthrow Claims
Gachagua also responded to recent remarks by President Ruto, who on Tuesday accused unnamed groups of plotting to “overthrow” the government through unconstitutional means.
Speaking in Kilimani, Nairobi, Ruto warned that the state would not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the country.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen,” Ruto said. “If they have plans, let’s meet in 2027. They should prepare their manifesto, and then we will meet in 2027. There is no shortcut in between.”
In response, Gachagua dismissed the claims as politically motivated fear-mongering, stating that the “wantam movement” was committed to peaceful and democratic change through the ballot.
“Mr. President, nobody wants to overthrow your government, nobody wants you out of power through unconstitutional means,” he said. “We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax.”
Gachagua further criticised the government for allegedly using claims of a coup plot as justification for persecuting opposition leaders and protestors.
“The claim that there is a plot to overthrow your government is just an excuse to clamp down on dissent and silence critics,” he said.
With the political heat rising ahead of 2027, Gachagua’s U.S. tour is expected to be a key moment in rebranding his political identity, re-engaging disillusioned voters, and laying the foundation for a potential presidential bid.
