Rigathi Gachagua jets back after 43 days in the US

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a procession from JKIA after he landed from the US on August 21, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has landed in the country after a 43-day tour of the United States.

His plane, carrying him, his wife Dorcas, and their delegation, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after noon on Thursday, August 21. 

Hundreds of supporters had camped at the airport from as early as 6am, joined by Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Senators John Methu, Joe Nyutu, and Karungo Thangwa, as well as several MPs.

Former DP Rigathi Gachagua lands at JKIA after 43-day diaspora engagements in the US

Video: Geff Kirui pic.twitter.com/QsqPIJiz3B — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 21, 2025

Tension briefly flared when supporters demanded answers on Gachagua’s whereabouts during a prolonged clearance process before his eventual appearance. 
Gachagua steered clear of addressing the crowd at the airport.

However, the former DP is expected to hold stopover rallies across Nairobi before culminating in a major gathering at Kamukunji Grounds. 

“We shall have a mother of all peaceful processions from JKIA to CBD and later address a public rally at the hallowed Kamukunji Grounds,” said Malala on Wednesday. 

The DCP leader has neither been arrested nor diverted to Kisumu or Malindi, as Malala had claimed, despite speculation over his explosive remarks in the US linking President William Ruto and the government to extremist groups such as al-Shabaab and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces.

Gachagua left Kenya on July 9 to drum up support for his presidential ambitions and court potential partners ahead of the 2027 election. 

During his stay, he held town hall meetings with Kenyans in Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, Missouri, and California, while also opening satellite branches of his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), including one in Boston.

Traffic snarl up on Mombasa Road as DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua's procession leave JKIA after his arrival from US on August 21, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The trip ended abruptly last week, with Gachagua promising to visit the remaining states in early 2026. 

“I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining States since I need to get back home to join our DCP party in preparation for the upcoming by-elections in various parts of our country,” he said, adding, “I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organizers and Kenyans whom I were to meet; the same has been rescheduled to early next year.”