Last Updated on August 14, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has decided to cut short his trip to the United States to return to Kenya and prepare for upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, as announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gachagua described his US visit as productive, highlighting successful engagements with the Kenyan diaspora. However, he emphasized the need to return early to support his Democratic Congress Party in gearing up for the by-elections across various regions.
“It is with regret that I must skip the remaining planned stops in the US to join my party in preparing for the by-elections,” Gachagua stated. He expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diaspora for their warm hospitality and praised the meticulous planning by the party’s US chapter organizers, saying, “Your efforts were outstanding. God bless you, and God bless Kenya.”
Gachagua extended apologies to event organizers and Kenyans he was scheduled to meet, assuring them that the postponed engagements would be rescheduled for early next year. He also noted that he plans to take a brief rest before returning to Kenya and will share his updated itinerary as promised.
The former Deputy President departed for the US on July 9, 2025, marking his first international trip since leaving office in October 2024. His visit aimed to connect with Kenyans abroad and discuss national issues with international stakeholders. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was accompanied by key allies, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Gachagua’s abrupt return comes in the wake of controversy sparked by remarks he made during his ongoing U.S. tour, which had initially been scheduled to last two months.
Speaking at an engagement last week, the former Deputy President alleged that President William Ruto had secretly met with three Al Shabaab operatives in Mandera. He further suggested that the removal of the vetting process before issuing national IDs in Northeastern Kenya was part of a scheme to register non-Kenyans indiscriminately.
In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed Gachagua to record a statement with authorities upon his arrival, saying the allegations were serious and warranted investigation.
Unfazed, Gachagua doubled down on his claims the following day, August 10, declaring he had no fear of arrest.
However, in his statement announcing the premature end of his trip, he made no reference to the allegations, instead citing the upcoming November 27 by-elections as the reason for his early return.
