NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua quietly returned to the country after a week-long political tour of the United Kingdom that saw him engage Kenyans in the diaspora and intensify criticism of President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s return came with little public fanfare despite earlier mobilisation by allies who had hinted at a possible grand reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader had travelled to the UK on May 15, accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and a delegation of allies for what was initially planned as a month-long mobilisation tour targeting Kenyans living abroad.
However, the former Deputy President later announced that he had drastically shortened the trip to less than a week, citing the worsening economic situation back home following sharp fuel price increases.
“Kenyans are saying that somebody must speak for us and to many Kenyans, that person who can speak and who must speak is Riggy G,” Gachagua said during an interview in the UK.
During the tour, Gachagua met diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs and supporters in London, where he marketed his DCP party while accusing President Ruto’s administration of failing to address the rising cost of living and economic hardships facing ordinary Kenyans.
“The situation at home is unbearable,” Gachagua told supporters in London while explaining why he was cutting short the visit.
The DCP Leader has, in recent months, intensified his political activities following his impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024 after a dramatic fallout with President Ruto.
Since his removal from office, Gachagua has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration and has been seeking to consolidate political influence in the Mt Kenya region while building alliances with opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
His UK tour was also viewed by political observers as part of wider efforts to rally diaspora support and fundraising networks as the opposition begins early preparations for the next presidential contest.
