Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified efforts to build political support among Kenyans abroad, using a diaspora forum in Swindon, United Kingdom, to pitch his leadership vision and frame the diaspora as a central pillar in shaping Kenya’s 2027 political direction.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Kenyans living and working in the UK, Gachagua positioned the diaspora not only as economic contributors through remittances, but also as key actors in governance conversations and future political mobilisation. The engagement comes at a time when Kenyan politics is gradually shifting into early campaign positioning ahead of the next general election.
The Swindon forum brought together professionals, students and business people for discussions on leadership, governance, and economic empowerment. Gachagua used the platform to outline what he described as a governance model anchored on inclusion and shared prosperity, insisting that national development must reach all citizens regardless of their location.
“We discussed the future of Kenya, leadership, governance, economic empowerment, and the role of the diaspora community in nation building,” he said. “I tabled my vision for Kenya and what my administration would prioritise given the opportunity to serve the people of Kenya.”
His remarks reflect an emerging political strategy increasingly being adopted by Kenyan leaders: treating the diaspora as both a financial lifeline and a political constituency. Kenya receives billions of shillings annually in diaspora remittances, which have become a stabilising source of foreign exchange and household income across the country.
Gachagua also praised Kenyans abroad for what he termed their patriotism and continued engagement with national affairs, describing them as essential partners in shaping policy debates back home.
“I thanked Kenyans in diaspora for their continued support, patriotism, and commitment to constructive dialogue for the future of Kenya,” he said.
Beyond development messaging, the meeting carried clear political undertones. Gachagua called on diaspora communities to remain engaged in what he described as a “liberation cause,” arguing that governance in Kenya required renewed scrutiny and reform. He further claimed that the country was operating under what he termed an “economic autopilot,” a statement likely to resonate with critics of the current administration.
“As we look into the 2027 elections and beyond, I called on them to remain resilient and committed to the liberation cause back home since our nation is an economic autopilot,” he said.
Background to his outreach lies in his evolving political position following his exit from the Deputy Presidency and subsequent repositioning within Kenya’s shifting political landscape. Since then, he has increasingly relied on direct voter and diaspora engagement, seeking to build independent political networks outside traditional party structures.
The UK meeting adds to a growing trend of Kenyan politicians turning to diaspora forums as staging grounds for political messaging, reflecting both the community’s financial influence and its growing voice in domestic political debates.
Attendees at the Swindon forum reportedly pushed for stronger institutionalised engagement between the diaspora and policymakers in Nairobi, particularly on investment opportunities, governance accountability and electoral participation, signalling an expanding demand for formal inclusion in national decision-making processes.
