Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he
is cutting short his visit to the United States.
In a statement on Thursday, Gachagua said he will now return to Kenya
to join his party in preparation for the upcoming by-elections set for
November.
Gachagua said he had a successful and fulfilling visit to
the US, engaging with Kenyans in the diaspora.
However, he explained that he needs to get back to join his
party, the Democratic Congress Party, in preparing for the upcoming by-elections in
various parts of the country.
“I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining
states since I need to get back home to join our party in preparation for the
upcoming by-elections,” Gachagua said.
The former DP apologised to organisers and Kenyans he had yet to meet, saying the meetings would be rescheduled for early next year.
“I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to
the organisers and Kenyans whom I were to meet; the same has been rescheduled
for early next year.”
He also said he will take a few days to rest before heading
back to Kenya and will make his itinerary public as promised.
He thanked Kenyans in the United States for their love,
warmth and hospitality.
He also praised the organisers and officials of the party’s
US chapters for superb planning, organisation and coordination.
“You are simply the best. God bless you all, and God bless
Kenya,” he said.
The announcement comes barely a week after the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that all by-elections will be
conducted on November 27, 2025.
Gachagua left the country on Wednesday, July 9, for the
United States, in what he described as a visit aimed at engaging with Kenyans
in the diaspora and other international stakeholders.
“Tonight, I will be travelling to the US to talk to Kenyans
in the diaspora and the international community about the state of the nation,”
he said during a press conference earlier in the day.
The trip marked his first travel abroad since his removal
from office in October 2024.
He was seen off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
by several allies, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman
Representative Jane Njeri Maina, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and
other leaders.
