Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent tour of the United States ended abruptly after what sources describe as a combination of financial strain, public rejection, and mounting criticism from the Kenyan diaspora.
During his visit, Gachagua faced backlash from Kenyans abroad who accused him of promoting tribal divisions and attempting to monetize his engagements. Reports indicate that he demanded payment to attend events, charged $10,000 (Kshs 1.3 million) to open diaspora offices, set participation fees at $1,500 (Kshs 195,000) per person, and allegedly asked those aspiring for political office in 2027 from the diaspora to contribute $5,000 (Kshs 650,000).
However, the diaspora community largely refused to pay, seeing through what they described as “money-making tricks.” The united diaspora also rejected his attempts to split them along tribal lines, a stance that further weakened his support base abroad.
With dwindling funds and the high cost of staying in the U.S., Gachagua was reportedly forced to cut short his trip and return to Kenya. Observers note that the controversy surrounding his alleged “snitching” on Kenya while in a foreign country—making critical remarks and revealing internal political issues—made it even harder for him to win over the diaspora audience.
“Not many Kenyans will sit in a foreign land and listen to a fellow countryman expose their nation’s internal affairs,” remarked one diaspora leader. “It was a huge miscalculation.”
The failed U.S. tour is being interpreted as a significant political and reputational setback for Gachagua. Coming so early in the election cycle, analysts say the episode could weaken his appeal among Kenyans abroad and further complicate his political ambitions for 2027.
