Kenya’s former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has concluded a visit to Kansas City with a message to Kenyans living in the United States: stay engaged, and prepare to return to a country that is changing for the better.
Now a senior figure in Kenya’s opposition, Gachagua was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, during a series of engagements with the Kenyan diaspora in the Midwest. The visit was part of his ongoing outreach efforts to connect with citizens abroad and to rally support for what he called a national “renewal.”
“We thank the people of Kansas for being part of this great cause to liberate our nation,” Gachagua told attendees at a public gathering on Tuesday. “Listening to the people and continuous engagement with the people is the hallmark of true leadership.”
During the event, he urged Kenyans in the diaspora to consider returning home when the conditions improve. “Kenyans working and living outside our nation need to come back to a better nation where systems work, and there is a conducive environment of peace,” he said.
Gachagua served as Deputy President from 2022 to 2024, before parting ways with the current administration and joining the opposition. He has since taken on a vocal role, frequently calling for reforms in governance, public service delivery, and economic policy.
His message in Kansas focused on restoring public institutions and building a government that works for all. While he made no formal policy announcements, Gachagua emphasised that the diaspora’s voice remains critical to shaping the country’s direction.
“We want a Kenya that works for everyone,” he said. “And that includes those of you who have built lives far from home but still carry Kenya in your hearts.”
Pastor Dorcas Gachagua echoed similar sentiments, thanking Kenyans in Kansas for keeping close ties to their country. “This journey is about faith, family, and country,” she said. “We are walking with you, wherever you are.”
The Kenyan diaspora contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, with remittances hitting over Ksh 600 billion in 2024, according to Central Bank data. Many Kenyans living abroad, however, have long voiced concerns about corruption, poor infrastructure, and political instability.
Gachagua’s tour is part of a wider strategy to involve diaspora communities more directly in Kenya’s national conversation. Analysts say both the government and the opposition are increasingly aware of the diaspora’s influence—not just economically, but politically.
The Kansas City stop marked the final leg of his U.S. tour, which included meetings with community leaders, business owners, and students. He is expected to return to Kenya later this week and resume his political duties amid rising pressure on the government to address economic hardship and public discontent.
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