Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his push to build an international political network after launching the United Kingdom chapter of his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), as he seeks to rally Kenyans abroad behind his growing opposition movement against President William Ruto.
Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans living and working in the UK, Gachagua painted a grim picture of the country’s state, accusing the government of corruption, abuse of the rule of law and failure in key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and social security.
The former deputy president said the diaspora had a critical role to play in shaping Kenya’s political future and urged Kenyans abroad to remain actively engaged in national affairs.
“I encouraged them to continue monitoring the situation at home and to keep advocating for change as they stay connected with Kenyans back home and across the world,” Gachagua said in a statement shared after the meeting.
The launch of the DCP UK Diaspora Chapter signals Gachagua’s latest attempt to transform growing dissatisfaction among Kenyans abroad into political momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political analysts say the move reflects a broader strategy by the former deputy president to position himself as the face of resistance against Ruto’s administration following his dramatic fallout with the President and eventual impeachment.
The diaspora vote, while not massive numerically, remains politically influential because of its economic power through remittances and its growing presence in online political discourse.
During the meeting, Kenyans in the UK reportedly raised concerns over the rising cost of living, governance issues and what they termed shrinking democratic space in Kenya.
Gachagua assured them that his party was committed to building “a better Kenya” where citizens’ voices would matter and where development would not be “concealed by lies or political deception.”
The remarks come at a time when opposition leaders are increasingly targeting Kenyans abroad to strengthen support networks and fundraising structures outside the country.
In recent months, Gachagua has sharpened criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of abandoning ordinary citizens and failing to fulfill promises made during the 2022 election campaign.
His latest UK engagement also underscored efforts to consolidate allies around him after months of political turbulence. The meeting was attended by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, MP Edward Muriu and other political figures allied to his camp.
Observers say Gachagua is increasingly using diaspora forums to rebuild his political image and broaden his appeal beyond his Mount Kenya support base.
The launch of the UK chapter now adds an international dimension to the growing political contest between allies of President Ruto and leaders who have broken ranks with the government.
For many Kenyans abroad, the discussions reflected anxieties over the direction of the country and fears about the economy, governance and accountability.
For Gachagua, however, the meetings also offered an opportunity to frame himself as a reformist figure seeking to mobilise local and international pressure for political change.
