Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ended his United States visit earlier than planned, citing the need to return home and prepare for the upcoming November by‐elections.
In a statement to the media, Gachagua said:
“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. I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organisers and Kenyans whom I was to meet. The same has been rescheduled for early next year.”
Gachagua, who left Kenya on July 9 for his first foreign trip since his removal from office in October 2024, said his US tour had been “successful and fulfilling,” noting he had engaged with Kenyans in the diaspora and other stakeholders.
He apologised to organisers and Kenyans he had yet to meet, adding that 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 was to meet. The same has been rescheduled for early next year,” he said.
The former DP added that he will take a few days to rest before returning to Kenya and will make his itinerary public as promised. He thanked Kenyans in the United States for their “love, warmth and hospitality” and praised the party’s US chapters for their planning and coordination.
“You are simply the best. God bless you all, and God bless Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua’s announcement comes a week after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission confirmed all pending by-elections will take place in November.
When departing for the US, Gachagua said the trip aimed to engage the diaspora and the international community on “the state of the nation.”
He was seen off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and other allies.
