In New York
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ramped up his activities as he continues with his tour of the United States targeting the Kenyan diaspora. The DCP party leader’s tour began in the North East of the US and the state of Washington.
The city of Seattle is home to thousands of Kenyans attracted to its mild winter weather, its proximity to Canada, the epicentre of aircraft manufacturing in Boeing and a growing high tech and creative economy. From Seattle, the former DP headed to Washington DC, made a stop in Boston Massachusetts, and was due in Maryland on Saturday, July 26.
Mr Gachagua is also set to visit the states of Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. This US blitz, in locations with thousands of Kenyans, highlights the importance of the diaspora, who not only fundraise for presidential aspirants, but also to raise their profile among US political players.
Gachagua’s public statements, political campaign stops and perspectives from organisers and supporters, show his campaign machine is focused on key diaspora constituencies. From a strategic campaign perspective, Baltimore, where Mr Gachagua was scheduled to visit, is in the state of Maryland – a location of thousands of Kenyans. Baltimore Maryland is also connected directly with Washington DC – the seat of American power.
This is the proverbial Beltway, the centre of American political lobbying and deal making. DC is also close to Northern Virginia across the Potomac River, a big residence for immigrants and thousands of Kenyans that work in the US Capitol. The DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) matrix is shaping up to be a key fulcrum to the Gachagua campaign. He is also targeting nearby Pennsylvania — mainly Philadelphia and the strategic state of Delaware, another concentration point of Kenyans in the US.
According to Prof David Kimori of Mankato State University in Minnesota, Mr Gachagua’s visit is to activate diaspora support, especially for those with roots in Mt Kenya. He states that “Disaporans are influential in Kenyan elections and in fundraising for politicians. They also have a big influence on their family members and communities that they support financially.”
Prof Eric Otenyo of Arizona State University’s Political Science Department hopes that unlike in 2022 the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will do a better job registering Kenyans in the diaspora, especially the United States.
Mr Gachagua’s critics, however, say he has not shed the image of being an ethnic kingpin and a defender of “The Mountain,” with his meetings and statements. In a controversial statement at ACK St Stephen’s Church in Massachusetts, Gachagua claimed that “the Mt Kenya communities are withholding their investments in Kenya waiting for the end of the Ruto regime.” He went on to add that it was the community driving Kenya’s economy.
Whether these claims are true or pure rhetorical, they have triggered debate, especially on social media.
However, others are sceptical, saying the visit is “pageantry” as the diaspora is sometimes viewed as a status symbol and a way to intimidate opponents with no concrete agenda or policies being discussed.
Meanwhile, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s campaign machine is planning a US visit to Minneapolis from August 2 as the tussle to garner as many diaspora votes heats up.
Prof Reuben Marwanga, the Matiang’i Diaspora Campaign Coordinator, said: “Over the last 12 months, Matiang’i has held consultative meetings with Kenyans in Atlanta and Dallas Texas. In July 2025, he will have meetings in Baltimore Maryland and in August, Minneapolis Minnesota.”
