Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s highly anticipated fundraising and diaspora engagement tour across the United States has run into headwinds, as multiple events have been cancelled due to poor attendance and what many diaspora residents say are unrealistic financial demands.
Initially billed as a grand opportunity for the Kenyan diaspora to “support leadership back home,” the tour reportedly aimed to raise over KSh 500 million (about $3.85 million) in its first month. However, sources close to the organizing team say it has only brought in KSh 25 million (roughly $192,000) so far—far below target.
“He expected people would line up with money,” said one U.S.-based organizer. “But $1,500 for a dinner or photo op isn’t feasible for most families here.”
Frustrations have emerged in several states where events were called off at the last minute. “One meeting scheduled for July 23rd had just five people booked. Another had eight. It didn’t make sense to proceed,” another insider confirmed.
Religious institutions, once seen as key hosts for Gachagua’s engagements, have also backed out. Multiple churches declined after reportedly being asked to contribute $10,000 (KSh 1.3 million) to host him. “The optics were bad. We’re trying to serve working-class Kenyans here. This felt exploitative,” a church elder from Seattle noted.
Apart from the Ngemi event in Baltimore hosted by artist Samidoh, most tour stops have attracted between 25 and 40 attendees—far short of expectations. Event organizers claim they’re now operating at a loss, as venue costs, logistics, and travel outpace collections.
There’s growing concern the tour has leaned too heavily into tribal politics. “It feels like a Mt. Kenya tour exported to America,” said one Kenyan from Boston. “Many feel left out, especially non-Kikuyu Kenyans in the diaspora.”
Even among Kikuyus, resentment is rising over the management of proceeds. Some accuse Gachagua’s relatives of swooping in to collect funds after events, leaving unpaid bills behind. “It’s causing serious reputational damage,” one frustrated volunteer lamented.
Organizers now say they are regrouping to rebrand the tour with a national tone and more inclusive programming. “We’ll have to bring in more communities, lower the charges, and rebuild trust,” a planner said.
Whether the tour can recover remains uncertain—but the message from the diaspora is growing louder: this is not the politics or leadership style they want to fund.
