- Rigathi Gachagua says he plans to travel to the United States on August 26 after completing his Wamunyoro consultations.
- The DCP leader says the trip will involve official work and further engagements linked to his 2027 political ambitions.
- Gachagua has continued mobilising support for the opposition ahead of the next General Election.
- He has also raised security concerns over a planned visit to Emurua Dikirr and written to Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to travel to the United States next week as he continues building his political network ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Democracy for Citizens Party leader made the announcement on Thursday, August 20, while addressing neighbours at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri. He indicated that he could leave the country on the evening of Wednesday, August 26.
Gachagua said the departure would come after he completes his scheduled consultations at Wamunyoro. He is expected to hold his final meeting on Monday before travelling to Kikuyu on Wednesday. From there, he said he would head to the airport for the United States trip.
The former Deputy President insisted that the visit would be focused on work rather than leisure. He said he would use the opportunity to organise several issues as he continues his campaign to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. His latest announcement comes as he intensifies political mobilisation through the DCP and the wider opposition movement.
DCP leader pushes 2027 agenda
Gachagua has remained vocal about his desire to see Ruto defeated in the next presidential election. Speaking to his Wamunyoro neighbours, he maintained that he has already built substantial support in the country. He also pointed to his continued cooperation with leaders associated with the United Opposition.
The DCP leader has in recent months used Wamunyoro as an important base for political consultations. The meetings have attracted politicians and grassroots representatives as he seeks to strengthen his influence ahead of the 2027 contest. His political activities have included engagements across different regions and efforts to consolidate an opposition alliance.
His latest announcement therefore comes at a politically active period. Gachagua has continued criticising the Ruto administration while urging his supporters to prepare for the next election. President Ruto and his allies have, meanwhile, maintained their own push to defend the administration’s record and political position.
Gachagua raises security concerns
Before announcing his planned foreign trip, Gachagua had also raised concerns over his security ahead of a visit to Emurua Dikirr Constituency. He wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja seeking security arrangements for himself and his entourage. The DCP leader alleged that area MP David Kipsang had made threats against his visit.
Gachagua claimed that instructions had been issued to prevent him and his team from entering the constituency. He further alleged that there were plans to mobilise groups and plainclothes police officers to disrupt his activities. These allegations remain claims made by Gachagua and have not been independently established.
The former Deputy President linked the alleged threat to previous political violence in Homa Bay County. He warned that any planned disruption in Emurua Dikirr could be more serious than what happened in Homa Bay. His letter to the police chief placed the issue of security firmly within the ongoing political confrontation.
Gachagua’s political activities continued on Thursday as he travelled from Nyeri to Murang’a. He and his allies formally opened a DCP office in Murang’a Town before engaging residents along the roadside. The activities formed part of the party’s wider effort to establish a stronger grassroots presence.
The DCP has been increasingly active in recruiting political figures and organising its structures ahead of 2027. Recent reports indicate that the party has also introduced a vetting process for politicians seeking to move from UDA and other parties. The move signals an attempt to build an organised political machine rather than rely solely on Gachagua’s personal popularity.
His Wamunyoro meetings have similarly become a major feature of his political strategy. Leaders and grassroots delegations have continued visiting the former Deputy President as he seeks to consolidate support, particularly in the Mt Kenya region. The consultations have also been linked to wider discussions about the opposition’s strategy for the 2027 election. Gachagua’s planned trip to America also comes at a time when he faces increased scrutiny over some of his public remarks. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned him to appear before the commission on August 27 over statements it is investigating. The notice concerns remarks attributed to him during several political engagements in different parts of the country.
His planned departure date of August 26 falls just one day before the scheduled NCIC appearance. It remains unclear from the announcement how the overseas trip could affect that engagement. Gachagua, however, presented the US visit primarily as an official working trip linked to his broader political activities.
For now, the DCP leader appears determined to maintain momentum. His latest engagements in Nyeri and Murang’a have been accompanied by renewed attacks on the Ruto administration and calls for greater opposition unity. With the 2027 election approaching, his next moves will remain closely watched across the political landscape.
