By Our Political Editor
Just under 24 hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua departed Kenya for the United States, intriguing details have emerged regarding the real motives behind his overseas engagement. Contrary to the official narrative, insiders now suggest the visit is politically charged, strategically crafted to lay the groundwork for his much-anticipated 2027 presidential bid.
According to well-placed sources, Gachagua’s itinerary is far from ordinary. His trip, expected to last two months, is reportedly centred around rebranding his political image, forging international alliances, and, perhaps most critically, mobilising resources to finance what analysts say could be one of the most expensive campaigns in Kenyan electoral history.
A grand reception is already in the works to welcome him back to Nairobi. Political observers have noted that the overwhelming turnout at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during his departure could signal an even more dramatic welcome upon his return, one which may rival the historic reception of Kenneth Matiba ahead of the 1997 General Elections.
Sources intimate that Gachagua has enlisted the services of a high-profile think tank and seasoned public relations consultants in the US. The aim? To reposition himself on the international stage and simultaneously chip away at President William Ruto’s reputation abroad. The strategy bears an uncanny resemblance to Ruto’s own 2022 campaign tactics, when he is said to have leveraged the Tony Blair Institute to sway foreign opinion against ODM leader Raila Odinga, portraying him as China-leaning and incompatible with Western interests.
Analysts believe Gachagua is now employing similar tactics, hoping to convince international actors, particularly in Washington and London, that President Ruto’s leadership no longer serves their geopolitical interests. This narrative is bolstered by growing murmurs in diplomatic circles that Ruto’s standing with both the United States and the United Kingdom has notably declined.
In contrast, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is said to be enjoying increased favour from the same Western quarters, with some quietly tipping him as a viable alternative on the international stage.
With an estimated five million potential votes from the Mount Kenya region, Gachagua is seen as a serious contender. Yet even his staunchest allies acknowledge the formidable challenge that lies ahead in unseating a sitting president. As such, his ongoing US tour is as much about image rehabilitation as it is about logistical preparation, securing funding, establishing diplomatic rapport, and building a credible global presence.
Although rumours suggest Gachagua’s primary objective is resource mobilisation, the broader picture points to a more comprehensive political play. He is laying the foundation for a robust, internationally aligned presidential campaign, modelled on those of his more seasoned rivals.
Observers say Gachagua is painfully aware that, unlike Odinga or even Ruto during his ascent, he lacks a well-established international network. His visit, therefore, is as much an introduction as it is a mission. Starting from scratch, he seeks to forge vital transatlantic alliances that could bolster his credibility on the global stage, and more crucially, enhance his political capital back home.
As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 General Elections, Gachagua’s US tour could well mark the beginning of a political reawakening, not just for himself, but for the millions who see in him a viable alternative to the current administration. Whether his efforts will bear fruit remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political chessboard is already in motion, and Rigathi Gachagua is determined to be more than just a spectator.
