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Rigathi Gachagua cuts short US trip, returns for by-election campaigns
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has cut short his political visit to the US, saying he needs to return home to revive the Wantam movement.
Mr Gachagua said the decision to return was personal. He left Kenya on July 9, announcing a two-month stay in the US. He was scheduled to fly back on September 8, 2025, but will now return earlier.
On Tuesday, Mr Gachagua posted on social media that he had enjoyed a “very successful and fulfilling” visit, holding “serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora.”
During his stay, he intensified criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of engaging in corruption, violating human rights and plotting post-election violence in 2027 through rigging. He urged the international community to monitor Kenya’s political climate closely.
Since his departure, Opposition principals have struggled to sustain the ‘Wantam’ momentum. Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, among the few loyalists actively mobilising, have reportedly faced violence from police and hired goons.
Other leaders — including Wiper Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, and NARC-Kenya’s Martha Karua — have not been as forceful in pushing the opposition agenda.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni recently acknowledged Gachagua’s impact.
“It is true that Gachagua appears to be the only man who can batter President Ruto with clarity and efficiency. He is a very important player in the 'Wantam' cause and we appreciate him,” Mr Kioni said.
Mr Gachagua said his immediate priority on returning will be to prepare DCP for upcoming by-elections. The campaign period runs from October 8 to November 24 with the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in Embu County being his main focus.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also scheduled several other by-elections for November 27, 2025.
Ward by elections are Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), Lake Zone and Nanaam (Turkana).
Parliamentary seat contests will be held in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Ugunja and Baringo senate by-elections.
President Ruto’s allies have already threatened to have him arrested upon arrival, accusing him of defaming Kenya and its leaders while abroad. But Gachagua has dared them.
“A tiger does not have to proclaim its tigritude — it pounces.”
