Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced an early return from his United States tour to focus on preparations for upcoming by-elections.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, August 14, Gachagua said the decision was driven by the urgency to coordinate party strategies ahead of the polls.
He expressed regret over not completing his planned itinerary, which included visits to several U.S. states to meet Kenyan diaspora communities.
“I had a very successful and fulfilling visit to the United States of America with serious engagements with Kenyans in the Diaspora,” Gachagua said. “I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining States since I need to get back home to join our party, DCP, in preparation for the upcoming by-elections in various parts of our country.”
The former Deputy President apologised to organisers and Kenyans who were expecting him, assuring them the engagements would be rescheduled for early 2026.
Before returning to Nairobi, Gachagua said he would take a few days to rest and would soon make his new itinerary public. He thanked Kenyans in the U.S. for what he called “love, warmth, and hospitality,” and praised DCP chapter officials for their “superb planning, organisation, and meticulous coordination” during the visit.
Political observers say Gachagua’s abrupt change of plans underscores the growing significance of the looming by-elections, which are expected to be a litmus test for the DCP’s influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
