Rigathi Gachagua’s recent self-assured proclamation—that he’s “gone to mobilize votes in the USA”—is as bold as it is questionable.
It implies deep roots across Kenya; yet the evidence suggests he’s still best known for traversing Mt. Kenya—and only branching out sporadically into Western and Coastal regions.
Can he honestly claim the national footprint required to speak to Kenyans abroad?
The answer is: not yet.
A Diaspora Tour Before a Party Launch?
Gachagua is reportedly spending millions flying to Dallas, Seattle, Boston, Baltimore, and California, while his newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) remains unlaunched back home.
Matigari Magazine exposed this paradox:
“Was our money used to build a party, or to pay for a foreign tour?”
Targeting Diaspora to Fill Perceived Gaps at Home
There’s no doubt the diaspora matters—remittances hit Ksh 640 billion last year.
Gachagua correctly identifies this bloc’s financial power and grievances, especially over double taxation.
But acknowledging their significance isn’t enough; you need credibility beyond Mt. Kenya.
Mt. Kenya Stronghold vs. National Penetration
Media reports and public commentary note that his popularity remains uneven.
His rallies in Nairobi were described as “chaotic”, earning both criticism and concern.
Meanwhile, Nation Magazine calls him a rising Mt. Kenya kingpin—but not yet a national figure.
Western & Coast Visits Don’t Equal National Reach
Yes, he’s ventured into Western and Coastal counties—but only enough to claim breadth.
In reality, these have been sporadic events (e.g., Machakos with Ukambani via GEMA), not a sustained national mobilization effort.
He Can Talk to Diaspora—But Must Earn Their Trust
Gachagua may host town halls and dinners in the U.S., but savvy diaspora voters will ask:
“What have you done for us and the wider nation?”
Until he fronts a credible political structure across Kenya’s 47 counties—addressing issues that transcend ethnic lines—his posturing risks looking performative, not persuasive.
Bottom Line
In politics, perception only carries you so far.
Gachagua’s U.S. tour could signal ambition—but it lacks the foundational truth of national appeal.
Kenya is “bigger than just those three regions.”
If he truly believes he can talk to Kenyans abroad, he must first show he’s already earned the right to do so back home.
