Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a break from his political engagements in the United States to test his shooting skills at a range in Spokane, Washington.
Video circulating online shows the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader handling a firearm and taking aim at targets during the shooting-range session.
The appearance has added an unusual twist to Gachagua’s extended US tour, which has so far largely centred on his political plans and engagements with Kenyans living in America.
Gachagua’s interest in firearms also comes against the backdrop of his earlier government career, which included paramilitary training.
According to his official parliamentary profile, Gachagua underwent paramilitary training at the Administration Police Institute in 1990 before serving in various government administrative roles.
His training, however, does not by itself establish that he is a professional marksman or that the Spokane activity was a form of security or firearms training.
The footage instead appears to show the former Deputy President taking part in a recreational shooting activity during his stay in Washington State.
Gachagua is in the United States for an extended tour organised by his DCP party, with Spokane scheduled as the first major stop from September 4 to September 10. He is expected to proceed to Portland, Oregon, followed by Kansas, Dallas and Boston.
The former Deputy President had earlier said the trip would give him time to rest, spend time with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and reflect on his political future away from what he described as undue influence from political associates.
“When I’m here there’s a lot of influence – Kaguchia tells me this, Methu that; this pulls me one way, this the other way. I want to make decisions without undue influence,” Gachagua said before leaving Kenya.
The shooting session offers a different glimpse of Gachagua away from the political meetings and diaspora engagements that are expected to dominate the rest of his American tour.
The DCP leader is using the visit to engage Kenyans in the diaspora as he continues positioning his party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
For now, the Spokane shooting-range appearance has provided one of the more unusual moments of his US trip, with the former administrator showing that his activities abroad are not limited to politics.
