DALLAS, US — Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to give Kenyans living abroad a greater role in Kenya’s governance and diplomatic affairs if elected president in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans in Dallas, Texas, Gachagua said the diaspora should not remain spectators in decisions affecting the country, arguing that their economic contribution through remittances, investments, skills and professional networks gives them a significant stake in Kenya’s future.
“Though you are away from Kenya, you have such a big impact in what happens at home. And therefore you cannot be spectators in the management of the affairs of our country,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President is currently on an extended tour of the United States, where he has been engaging Kenyan diaspora communities as he builds support for the DCP ahead of the 2027 election.
Gachagua Promises Diaspora a Bigger Voice
Gachagua said a government under his leadership would treat Kenyans abroad as active partners in national development and governance.
He pointed to diaspora remittances as an important source of foreign exchange and argued that Kenyans contributing to the economy from abroad should have a stronger voice in how the country is managed.
The DCP leader said the diaspora could also contribute through expertise, innovation, business networks, and knowledge acquired while living and working in other countries.
His proposal comes as diaspora engagement becomes an increasingly visible part of political and economic discussions ahead of the 2027 election.
Diaspora Kenyans Could Get Diplomatic Jobs
Gachagua also pledged to appoint qualified Kenyans living abroad to ambassadorial and deputy ambassadorial positions.
He said members of the diaspora who have lived in particular countries could bring valuable knowledge of local systems, cultures and business environments to Kenya’s diplomatic missions.
“I want to give you a promise that my administration will give an opportunity to people in diaspora to be our envoys,” he said.
Gachagua criticised what he described as appointments of diplomats who lack experience of the countries where they are posted.
“I have said many times, it doesn’t make sense to bring an ambassador here in Washington who has never been in America all his life,” he said.
Gachagua Promises Kenyan Consulate in Texas
The DCP leader also pledged to establish a Kenyan consulate in Texas, saying this would make diplomatic services more accessible to the growing Kenyan community in the state.
He did not provide details on the proposed location, staffing or timeline for establishing the consulate.
Gachagua’s Texas pledge comes as he continues his US tour, which has included engagements with Kenyans in Washington, Oregon and Kansas before his Dallas visit. His itinerary is scheduled to take him to Boston after Texas.
Diaspora Investment to Target Manufacturing
Beyond political participation, Gachagua urged Kenyans abroad to channel more of their capital into businesses and industries in Kenya.
He specifically identified manufacturing, agro-processing and value addition as areas where diaspora investment could help create employment for young people.
“I want to invite you to partner with us to create jobs for our young people. And the only way to do it is for you to invest back home so that we start manufacturing plants, agro-processing, value addition and create jobs,” he said.
Gachagua has made diaspora investment a recurring theme during his US engagements, including a pledge to create a more favourable business environment for Kenyans abroad.
Gachagua Pledges to Tackle Corruption, Red Tape
Gachagua said his proposed administration would seek to remove barriers that discourage Kenyans abroad from investing in the country.
He pledged to tackle corruption and bureaucratic hurdles, saying these have made it difficult for some potential investors to establish businesses and operate in Kenya.
“I’m inviting you and assuring you that next year we’ll fix these things and make Kenya your destination of choice for investment,” he said.
In earlier diaspora engagements, Gachagua similarly promised measures to improve the ease of doing business and called on Kenyans abroad to contribute their expertise to policy development.
Diaspora Takes Centre Stage Ahead of 2027
Gachagua’s proposals come as political leaders increasingly court Kenyans living abroad ahead of the next General Election.
President William Ruto has also been engaging the diaspora during his US visit and has promoted the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform, a government initiative intended to strengthen diaspora participation in investment and development.
