Unmatched love: Rigathi, wife relish rousing welcome after landing in US

Rigathi Gachagua Arrives in US, Receives Warm Welcome from Kenyan Diaspora
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrived in the United States on July 11, 2025, for a two-month tour aimed at engaging the Kenyan diaspora and promoting his political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gachagua, accompanied by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where he received a rousing reception from jubilant Kenyans who had gathered to welcome him. The love and support here are unmatched, Gachagua said, expressing excitement at the enthusiastic turnout and pledging to discuss issues affecting Kenya with the diaspora community and the international audience.
This marks Gachagua’s first trip abroad since his impeachment, a period during which he has been a vocal critic of President William Ruto. Before departing Kenya on July 9, Gachagua accused Ruto of orchestrating state-sponsored violence targeting residents of the Mt Kenya region, criticizing the president for failing to address the unrest. In a strongly worded social media statement, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s call for victims to report perpetrators to the police, asserting that the authorities were complicit in the attacks. He warned that Ruto could eventually face accountability for the violence at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The tour also includes engagements with other Kenyan leaders, such as PLP head Martha Karua, as the pair outline their vision for the country as an alternative to the current administration.
Reactions to Gachagua’s US visit have been mixed. Supporters welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from him and express concerns about governance and security in Kenya, particularly regarding the Mt Kenya region. Meanwhile, political analysts note that the tour is a strategic move to consolidate support among Kenyans living abroad, who can influence fundraising and political messaging ahead of the 2027 elections. As Gachagua continues his diaspora engagements, his team is expected to hold town halls and community forums in several US cities, seeking to strengthen ties with Kenyans abroad and bolster his political profile for the forthcoming electoral contests.