Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced he is ending his visit to the United States earlier than planned to return to Kenya ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua said the decision was made to allow him to join his party, the Democratic Congress Party, in preparations for the polls set to take place in various parts of the country.
“I regret being unable to visit the remaining scheduled states, as I need to get back home to join our party in preparation for the upcoming by-elections,” he said.
Gachagua, who left Kenya on July 9 for his first trip abroad since leaving office in October 2024, described his US visit as “successful and fulfilling,” citing engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora and meetings with international stakeholders.
He apologised to organisers and diaspora communities he had yet to meet, saying those engagements would be rescheduled for early next year. “My profound apologies to the organisers and Kenyans I was to meet; the same has been rescheduled for early next year,” he added.
The former DP also said he would take a few days to rest before returning home and would share his updated itinerary as promised. He expressed gratitude to Kenyans in the US for their hospitality and to the party’s US chapter officials for “superb planning, organisation and coordination.”
“You are simply the best. God bless you all, and God bless Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua’s departure from the US comes a week after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that all by-elections would be held on November 27. He was seen off for his trip at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by allies including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
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