KARATINA, Kenya – DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua says he will travel to the United States on Wednesday with his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, for consultations on the political future of the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at PEFA Church in Karatina on Sunday, August 23, Gachagua said he would leave Kenya on Wednesday alongside his wife, Dorcas Rigathi.
He said the visit would involve engagements with Kenyans and other communities in the United States as he considers the political direction of the Mt Kenya region.
“On Wednesday this week, my wife and I will travel to the United States to plan for the mountain’s future. I want to go there and interact with the whites and fellow blacks for a while,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader did not provide a specific date for his return, saying he intended to remain abroad for an extended period.
Gachagua cites need for independent decisions
Gachagua said the extended stay in the US was deliberate, arguing that being away from Kenya would give him room to make political decisions without what he described as external influence.
He said some of the decisions facing him could not be made freely while he remained in the country and was exposed to competing political interests.
“And I have a reason why I will be travelling for an extended period. When I am here, there are decisions that I cannot make due to external influence. Therefore, I want to make decisions without undue influence,” he said.
The former deputy president has been holding political consultations at his Wamunyoro residence as he builds DCP’s grassroots network and assesses possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
John Methu among allies expected to hold fort
Gachagua said his political allies would continue coordinating activities in Kenya during his absence.
He specifically pointed to Nyandarua Senator John Methu and other members of his political team as leaders who would remain engaged with supporters while he is abroad.
Gachagua also assured his supporters that his absence would not mean he would be disconnected from developments at home.
He said his team had been authorised to contact him whenever urgent matters arise.
Trip comes after UK visit
The planned US trip will be Gachagua’s second international visit this year, according to his remarks.
He travelled to the United Kingdom on May 6 for a diaspora engagement and fundraising tour, although the visit was subsequently shortened.
His upcoming American trip comes at a critical stage in Kenya’s political calendar, with parties and political movements stepping up preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has emerged as one of the key opposition figures seeking to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
Wamunyoro consultations nearing end
The announcement also comes as Gachagua prepares to conclude his extended political consultations at his Wamunyoro residence.
The DCP leader is expected to officially conclude the latest phase of the consultations on Monday, August 24.
Gachagua had initially planned a 45-day consultation period but subsequently extended it by another 10 days to accommodate additional delegations.
The meetings have attracted politicians, community representatives and other groups as Gachagua seeks to consolidate support and establish the political direction of his movement ahead of 2027.
His decision to travel abroad immediately after the conclusion of the consultations is likely to provide an opportunity for further engagement with Kenyans living in the diaspora.
