The political atmosphere in Nairobi was electric on Thursday, August 21, as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, concluding a high-profile, 43-day tour of the United States. Gachagua's return was met with a massive show of support, with hundreds of supporters and a delegation of key political allies, including Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and several Senators and Members of Parliament, waiting to welcome him from the early hours of the morning.
The spectacle of his return was a carefully choreographed display of political muscle. Despite a brief moment of tension as supporters grew impatient during a prolonged clearance process, Gachagua's eventual appearance was met with cheers and a palpable sense of triumph. While he chose not to address the crowd at the airport, his planned stopover rallies across Nairobi, culminating in a major gathering at Kamukunji Grounds, signal a clear intent to reassert his political presence on home soil.
Gachagua's trip to the U.S. was a significant venture, aimed at drumming up support for his presidential ambitions and courting potential partners ahead of the 2027 election. During his extended stay, he held town hall meetings with Kenyans in various states, including Washington, Massachusetts, and California, and formally opened satellite branches of his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). This strategic outreach to the Kenyan diaspora is a key part of his campaign to build a formidable political base.
The trip, however, was not without its moments of controversy. Gachagua made explosive remarks linking President William Ruto and the government to extremist groups, sparking speculation about a potential arrest or diversion upon his return. However, as promised by his party leader, Cleophas Malala, Gachagua was neither arrested nor diverted, suggesting that the political fallout from his comments may have been contained, for now.
The abrupt end to his tour, with Gachagua promising to visit the remaining states in early 2026, was attributed to his need to return home to prepare for upcoming by-elections. This decision underscores the dual nature of his political ambitions: while he is a global figure on the campaign trail, his ultimate success will be determined by his ability to secure victories at the local level.
