Gachagua Announces Extended US Trip to Plan 2027 Strategy

Gachagua Announces Extended US Trip to Plan 2027 Strategy

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to travel to the United States with his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, as he steps up political consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua made the announcement on Sunday, August 23, during a church service at PEFA Church in Karatina, Nyeri County, where he explained that the trip would give him an opportunity to engage Kenyans living abroad and reflect on his political plans.

The former deputy president said he intends to spend an extended period in the US, although he did not give a specific date for his return to Kenya.

“On Wednesday this week, my wife and I will travel to the United States to plan for the mountain’s future. I want to go there and interact with the whites and fellow blacks for a while.”

Gachagua said the trip would form part of his wider political strategy as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.

He explained that spending time away from Kenya would also allow him to make political decisions without what he described as external influence.

“And I have a reason why I will be travelling for an extended period. When I am here, there are decisions that I cannot make due to external influence. Therefore, I want to make decisions without undue influence.”

The DCP leader has increasingly focused on political mobilisation and consultations as he builds his party’s support base across the country.

His announcement comes as he prepares to conclude a series of political consultation meetings at his Wamunyoro home. Gachagua had initially announced a 45-day period of political consultations before extending the programme by another 10 days.

The final phase of the meetings has brought together different groups and political allies as the former deputy president seeks to assess the political landscape ahead of the next General Election.

Gachagua’s planned US visit will be his second major international trip of the year. He travelled to the United Kingdom in May for a diaspora engagement and mobilisation tour before returning to Kenya.

During the upcoming trip, Gachagua said he would interact with different communities in the United States. The country has a sizeable Kenyan diaspora population, making it an important destination for political leaders seeking to engage Kenyans living abroad.

The former deputy president has also indicated that his political activities will continue while he is outside the country.

He said his allies would remain in contact with him and would alert him if important developments arise.

Gachagua has previously relied on senior political allies to maintain his presence in the country during his political engagements outside Kenya.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu is among the leaders who have remained closely associated with his political activities.

The announcement comes at a time when political preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election are gathering pace.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already published key election timelines, requiring political parties and aspirants to meet various deadlines ahead of the polls.

Gachagua’s DCP is also seeking to strengthen its national presence as established parties and emerging political movements position themselves for the next election.

His extended stay in the US is therefore expected to attract attention as political parties begin forming alliances and identifying potential candidates.

While Gachagua did not disclose specific details of his 2027 strategy, his remarks indicate that the visit will focus on political consultations and engagement with the diaspora.

He assured supporters that his absence would not mean he was disconnected from political developments at home, with his team expected to maintain communication with him throughout the trip.

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Gachagua Announces Extended US Trip to Plan 2027 Strategy