- Gachagua says NIS sent over 40 agents to monitor his U.S. visit.
- Claims this move puts him and his team in danger.
- Warns of possible political unrest if intimidation continues.
- Wetang’ula cautions Kenyans in diaspora against tribalism.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns that more than 40 National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers were deployed to follow him during his U.S. tour. Speaking in Boston on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Gachagua described the act as a direct threat to his safety and that of his team.
He insisted that such interference could easily lead to political chaos back in Kenya. According to him, this is part of a broader campaign of intimidation by people afraid of growing opposition influence.
“As I move across the U.S., I’ve noticed more than 40 NIS operatives following us. These actions are risky and could easily stir trouble in Kenya,” Gachagua told the press.
As political temperatures rise, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called for calm, especially among Kenyans living outside the country. He asked them to steer clear of tribal-based politics while attending a women’s empowerment event in Busia on Friday, July 18.
He emphasised that diaspora communities should focus on unity rather than divide themselves along ethnic lines, warning that such behaviour damages Kenya’s global reputation.
“Do not carry tribalism to foreign lands,” Wetang’ula said. “It weakens us, especially when abroad.”
The call was backed by other leaders present, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, who all spoke about the importance of national unity.
Gachagua left the country on July 9, 2025, for a planned two-month stay in the United States. He is visiting major cities like Dallas, California, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore, where he is meeting Kenyans, attending events, and holding political discussions to strengthen his movement.
He had earlier revealed that some government insiders tried to block his departure at the last minute, claiming he received threats targeting his travel team.
“As much as I wanted to remain in Kenya during this difficult moment, I had prior plans that couldn’t wait,” Gachagua said. “Some State House associates went as far as threatening my team at the airport.”
During his tour, Gachagua also announced that leaders in the opposition coalition are preparing legal aid for youths arrested in recent protests. He said they are arranging for a team of lawyers to defend them in court, describing the charges as politically motivated.
“We are working with other leaders to offer legal support to the arrested youths,” he stated. “They are victims of cooked-up charges.”
Gachagua’s latest remarks show deepening friction between his camp and President Ruto’s government. As his U.S. tour continues, his growing support among diaspora Kenyans and promises of legal aid for protesters may shape the political conversations in the coming months.
