NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua is set to travel to the United States after completing a 45-day political consultation programme at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
Gachagua announced the planned US trip as he outlined his political programme following the consultations, saying he intended to travel abroad before resuming political mobilisation across the country.
He shall leave the country on Wednesday next week after a series of political events.
The former Deputy President had retreated to Wamunyoro in June after announcing a 45-day break from public political rallies to engage supporters, political leaders, professionals, opinion shapers, clergy and other stakeholders.
The consultations were centred on efforts to identify a single opposition presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua subsequently hosted delegations from different parts of the country at his Nyeri residence, turning Wamunyoro into a key meeting point for discussions on the political direction of the opposition.
Among those who visited him were political leaders and opinion shapers, including Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi.
Gachagua has also indicated that he would consult former President Uhuru Kenyatta after completing the process before making key decisions on the opposition’s political direction.
In July, Gachagua said his US trip would be followed by political tours to other parts of the country as he sought to expand his support base beyond his traditional Mount Kenya stronghold.
He said he planned to travel to the Coast and Western Kenya after returning from the United States.
The planned trip comes as Gachagua seeks to position the DCP as a national political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
His Wamunyoro consultations have been closely watched because of their potential implications for opposition unity and the race to identify a candidate capable of mounting a challenge to President Ruto.
Gachagua has maintained that he remains open to supporting another opposition leader if an agreed formula produces a different candidate, although he has also continued to present himself as a potential presidential contender.
The DCP leader’s planned return to nationwide mobilisation would mark a new phase after the largely consultation-focused period at Wamunyoro.
His recent engagements have also included efforts to strengthen the party’s presence outside Mount Kenya, with delegations from regions including the South Rift visiting his Wamunyoro residence.
Gachagua’s US trip will therefore come at a politically significant moment as opposition parties and leaders continue negotiations over alliances and the 2027 presidential race.
He is expected to meet Kenyans living in the US.
