Gachagua’s US Tour: Five Cities, More Than a Month of Political Calculations

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to leave Kenya on Wednesday for an extended US visit as he weighs his political options ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has released the itinerary for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s upcoming visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to spend more than a month and visit five cities.

Gachagua is expected to leave Kenya on Wednesday evening, accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.

The former Deputy President has said the extended stay will give him time away from his political associates as he considers his next moves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, August 23, Gachagua said he needed time to make important decisions without what he described as undue influence from those around him.

“There are things I'm planning that cannot be planned here,” he said.

Gachagua said the constant advice and competing opinions from his political allies made it difficult to make independent decisions.

“I want to make decisions without undue influence,” he said.

Spokane: September 4–10

According to the DCP itinerary, Gachagua’s political engagements will begin in Spokane, Washington, where he is scheduled to spend six days from September 4 to September 10.

The city, located in eastern Washington near the Idaho border, has a history of political activism and civil rights advocacy.

Portland: September 10–16

Gachagua will then travel to Portland, Oregon, for engagements scheduled between September 10 and September 16.

Portland has long been associated with progressive politics, environmental activism and civil rights movements. It also became a major centre of protests over racial justice and police conduct following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Kansas: September 16–24

From Portland, Gachagua will head to Kansas, where he is expected to spend eight days.

Kansas occupies an important place in American political history, particularly because of the fierce battles over slavery that preceded the Civil War.

The period known as “Bleeding Kansas” helped shape the political realignments that eventually contributed to the emergence of the Republican Party in 1854.

Dallas: September 24–October 1

Gachagua’s next stop will be Dallas, Texas, where he is scheduled to spend eight days from September 24 to October 1.

Dallas is one of the United States’ major economic centres and has hosted political conventions, fundraising events and national policy discussions.

The city is also part of the wider Sun Belt, a region historically associated with strong business interests and conservative politics.

Boston: October 1–9

Gachagua will conclude the tour in Boston, Massachusetts, where he is scheduled to remain until October 9.

Boston is closely associated with the history of the American Revolution and is now a major centre of higher education, research and public policy.

During his stay, Gachagua has said he will engage with Americans from different backgrounds while reflecting on what he considers critical political decisions.

The US trip comes after the conclusion of his 55-day Wamunyoro political conclave, which has formed part of his efforts to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua has increasingly presented himself as a potential presidential contender rather than simply a kingmaker in the next election.

He has argued that he is among the strongest opposition-aligned figures capable of challenging President William Ruto in 2027. At the same time, he has left the door open to backing another candidate if a stronger contender emerges.

With more than a month away from Kenya, Gachagua’s US tour is likely to attract close political attention as the former Deputy President weighs his options and prepares for what could be a decisive phase in his political career.