NAIROBI, Kenya — The British High Commission in Nairobi has dismissed as fake a viral letter circulating online claiming that Keir Starmer rejected a meeting request from Rigathi Gachagua during his ongoing visit to the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Friday, the UK mission distanced itself from the purported communication allegedly authored by an official identified as Ashworth Cole, described in the fake document as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary.
“The British High Commission in Nairobi confirms that this letter circulating on social media is fake,” the embassy stated.
In a light-hearted response, the mission added: “If it were real, it would probably be stained with spilt tea.”
The embassy later wished Kenyans a Happy Biodiversity Day.
Fake Letter Triggered Political Reactions
The fabricated letter had circulated widely on social media platforms and was used by some political rivals to mock Gachagua during his UK tour.
The fake document falsely claimed that Starmer’s schedule was fully booked and suggested that the British government was unwilling to engage in matters linked to Kenya’s domestic politics.
“It has come to our attention that the principal purpose of the engagement being sought was not consular, humanitarian or bilateral in character, but rather oriented towards the domestic political landscape of the Republic of Kenya,” part of the fake letter read.
The forged document further claimed that the UK government did not wish British officials to be seen as endorsing or legitimising Kenya’s political contests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, the British High Commission’s statement effectively dismissed the authenticity of the document.
Gachagua on UK Political Tour
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, is in the United Kingdom for meetings with Kenyans living and working abroad.
The former Deputy President has been using the tour to mobilise support for his political movement and engage the Kenyan diaspora.
Before departing Kenya, Gachagua said he intended to shorten his stay abroad to return home and participate in opposition efforts against rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.
The former Deputy President has recently intensified criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration and has positioned himself among opposition leaders seeking political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
