Many Kenyans living in the United States are disappointed by what they see as setbacks in Kenya, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
Gachagua said Kenyans in the diaspora were concerned about rising lawlessness, alleged unconstitutional practices, conflicts of interest and what they regard as economic sabotage in the country.
The former Deputy President made the remarks after meeting Kenyans living in Spokane, Washington, where he said discussions centred on investor confidence, partnerships and the contribution of the diaspora to Kenya's development.
“Many Kenyans abroad are disappointed by the setbacks our country has faced—rising lawlessness, unconstitutional practices, conflicts of interest, and economic sabotage,” Gachagua said.
He said the concerns were particularly serious given the money Kenyans abroad send home through remittances.
“Despite their hard work and the significant remittances they send home, there is little visible impact in how these resources are utilized back in Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua's comments come as the role of the Kenyan diaspora in the country's economy continues to attract political attention. Kenyans living abroad send billions of shillings home every year, supporting families and businesses and contributing to the country's foreign-exchange earnings.
The former Deputy President said the diaspora should play a bigger role in rebuilding the country and promised to tap into its expertise if his political camp forms the next government.
“We have agreed that once a new government is formed within the next 338 days, we will call upon the expertise of the Kenyan diaspora to help rebuild and develop our nation,” Gachagua said.
He said his administration would seek to involve Kenyans living outside the country in areas such as technology, knowledge transfer, investment and skills development.
“My promise is that, beyond the United States, Kenyans worldwide will unite with the new government in leveraging technology, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively,” he said.
Gachagua also said the government should create conditions that allow Kenyans to find opportunities at home instead of being forced to leave the country in search of jobs.
“Kenya's brightest minds no longer need to leave in search of opportunities,” he said.
“Together, we will transform Kenya into a place where people can work, thrive, and truly call home.”
His remarks come against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua positioning himself as one of the key figures in the Opposition.
The former Deputy President has been critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration since his fallout with President William Ruto and his subsequent removal from office in 2024.
He has accused the government of poor governance and economic mismanagement while calling for a broader political coalition ahead of the next election.
The diaspora has increasingly become an important constituency in Kenya's political debate because of its financial contribution to the economy and its growing interest in governance and electoral politics.
Gachagua's meeting in Spokane also focused on investment, an area he said would require greater confidence among Kenyans abroad and international investors.
He said a future government would need to create an environment in which Kenyans in the diaspora can invest in their country without encountering unnecessary obstacles.
His comments are likely to resonate with Kenyans abroad who have complained about difficulties sending money home, investing in property and businesses, and navigating government services from outside the country.
Gachagua said the experience and knowledge accumulated by Kenyans working abroad should be treated as an asset rather than allowing the country to continue losing skilled professionals to other economies.
He said technology could help connect the diaspora with opportunities in Kenya and facilitate the transfer of skills and expertise.
The former Deputy President did not give details of the specific policies his proposed administration would introduce to address the concerns he raised.
His comments, however, placed the diaspora at the centre of his political pitch, presenting Kenyans living abroad as potential partners in rebuilding the economy rather than simply sources of remittances.
With the 2027 election approaching, the diaspora is expected to remain an important part of the political conversation, particularly as parties and political formations seek to attract support from Kenyans living and working outside the country.
Gachagua's message in Spokane was that the skills, capital and experience of Kenyans abroad would be critical to his vision of rebuilding the country.
He said the ultimate goal should be to create a Kenya where young people and professionals can find opportunities locally rather than having to leave the country to build their careers.
“Kenya's brightest minds no longer need to leave in search of opportunities,” Gachagua said.
“Together, we will transform Kenya into a place where people can work, thrive, and truly call home.”
