They treated me like a king, says Gachagua on US welcome

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua (right; in a hat) engages with Kenyans in the US /HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has recounted an extraordinary reception by Kenyans living in the US, saying they treated him like royalty during his two-month stay in the country.

Gachagua said members of the Kenyan diaspora went out of their way to make his visit memorable, providing accommodation, food, transport and personal items while ensuring he and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, felt at home.

Gachagua was a two-month US tour between August 26 and October 20.

Speaking on Sunday during a wide-ranging interview with a vernacular television station, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader described the reception as the greatest expression of affection he had ever experienced.

“I want to thank our people in the US. I was accorded an unforgettable affection. They treated me like their king. They treated me like a young child. They came for me at the airport, with flowers. They sang for me,” he said.

According to Gachagua, the generosity extended beyond the airport welcome, with members of the community organising accommodation in private homes instead of hotels.

He claimed families with spacious houses were asked by members of the community to temporarily relocate to create room for him and his wife.

“I was not staying in a hotel. Those with big houses were instructed by the community to relocate. We were given the space with Mama Gachagua to live until it was enough for us,” he said.

The former Deputy President narrated how women brought food and nuts to the house, while others volunteered to do his laundry and iron his clothes.

He also recalled how supporters took him shopping, bought him shoes and jeans and encouraged him to select whatever he wanted without worrying about the cost.

“They would take me to shops and ask me to pick what I want and don’t spend even a cent,” he said.

Gachagua said the community also organised prayer sessions, singing and Bible reading, making the experience both socially and spiritually fulfilling.

“I have never been accorded such affection in my life,” he said.

Gachagua disclosed that his two-month visit cost about Sh150 million, claiming that he did not personally spend any money throughout the trip.

He attributed the expenditure to contributions and logistical support from Kenyans living in the US, who catered for his accommodation, air tickets, vehicles, food and other activities.

“My two-month trip cost Sh150 million and I did not spend even a shilling. That money came from our people,” he said.

Beyond the hospitality, Gachagua said the visit gave him an opportunity to interact with Kenyans abroad, listen to their views about the country’s political situation and reflect on the future of the Mt Kenya region.

He revealed that he spent part of his stay in solitude, prayer and fasting as he contemplated what he described as the difficult circumstances facing his community.

“I had a moment of self-reflection in thoughts, prayers and fasting; reflecting about our people and our country, as our people are not in a good situation,” he said.

Gachagua said the reflections reinforced his determination to engage other Kenyan communities and build political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said he began implementing the strategy immediately after returning to Kenya, starting with engagements at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county.

“From that love, I decided to do all I can to defend our people at all cost,” he said.