Gachagua Arrives in the US for 50-Day Tour to Meet Kenyans
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has arrived in the United States for a 50-day tour that will take him to Kenyan communities in several states, including Washington, Oregon, Kansas, Texas and Massachusetts.
Gachagua’s itinerary includes stops in Spokane, Portland, Kansas, Dallas and Boston, where he is expected to meet Kenyans living in the US. The tour comes as political parties seek to strengthen their support among the Kenyan diaspora ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024 and has since sought to re-establish his political position. His tour is also expected to provide an opportunity to promote his Democracy for Citizens Party and engage Kenyans on their concerns about the country.
For many Kenyans living abroad, those concerns extend beyond politics. Some face serious challenges involving employment, marriage and immigration, which can leave them without accommodation, legal assistance or other forms of support.
The situation can be particularly difficult for Kenyans who experience marital breakdowns or lose their source of income while living in the US. Immigrant spouses may suddenly find themselves without housing or financial security and may have limited knowledge of the legal and social services available to them.
The experience of Nicodemus Imus Lochok, a Turkana native who spent years homeless on the streets of Tennessee, illustrates the difficulties that vulnerable Kenyans can face abroad. Cases like his have raised questions about the support available to citizens who find themselves in severe hardship outside the country.
Kenya’s diplomatic missions could play a greater role in assisting citizens facing such emergencies. One proposal would be to establish emergency shelters through foreign missions, supported by legal aid and dedicated government funding.
Such facilities could provide temporary accommodation and assistance to Kenyans facing homelessness, family breakdown, employment disputes or other serious emergencies. They could also help connect citizens with local authorities, lawyers and social services.
Kenyans abroad make a significant contribution to the country through remittances, investment and professional networks. As Gachagua meets communities across the US, the concerns raised by vulnerable citizens are likely to form part of wider discussions about how Kenya supports its diaspora.
His 50-day tour will therefore provide an opportunity to engage not only with political supporters but also with Kenyans seeking stronger institutional support when they face serious difficulties abroad.
