Courting the moneyed diaspora: Matiang’i joins Gachagua in separate US tour

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has joined DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua in the United States on parallel missions to woo influential and moneyed Kenyan diaspora.

The two political figures, despite subscribing to one political formation, have both expressed interest for the country’s top seat in 2027.

In a rare convergence of political heavyweights overseas, the two are separately crisscrossing key American states in what insiders describe as a high-stakes charm and diaspora fundraising campaign.

Gachagua was the first to leave the country on July 9 for a two-month stay in the US. On the other hand, Matiang’i left the country on Thursday for a whirlwind of activities starting this Saturday.

The former Interior boss is expected to address Kenyans in Baltimore on Saturday as he starts his public engagements.

At Baltimore, he will make a town hall address at the 500-seater Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbour hall.

“He will engage in meaningful dialogue, ask pressing questions and gain insights from one of Kenya’s most respected public servants,” an invite sent to Kenyans living in Baltimore reads.

He will then move to Maryland, Minneapolis and Minnesota to sell his agenda to Kenyans staying there. Gachagua has also lined up engagements with diverse personalities and groups in other key states where Kenyans reside.

Gachagua, who is making his first outing since he was unceremoniously kicked out of government, has had engagements in Seattle, Washington, where he met Kenyans to discuss issues affecting the diaspora and explore ways to strengthen their ties with their motherland.

The former Deputy President accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, landed in Boston on Friday and were received by Kenyans living there.

“We will discuss matters Kenya and bring our minds together on how to make our country better again,” Gachagua tweeted after arriving in Boston.

Though operating separately, their overlapping presence in the US underscores a new battleground for 2027 – the diaspora vote and wallet.

With remittances hitting over Sh325 billion in the last six months and increasing diaspora voter participation expected in the next polls, there is recognition of the strategic advantage of early engagement.

The US currently hosts one of the largest number of Kenyans in foreign countries, estimated at 157,000.

Instant Analysis