Sudi Slams Gachagua for Urging Kenyans Abroad to Halt Remittances

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's recent call for Kenyans from the Mt Kenya region living abroad to suspend remittances has ignited a firestorm of political controversy in Kenya. 

The remarks, made during his ongoing tour of the United States, have been widely criticised as a form of economic sabotage and a calculated political move ahead of the 2027 general election. Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, has been leveraging his two-month diaspora engagement to present himself as a defiant opposition figure. Addressing Kenyan expatriates in Boston, he framed the withholding of remittances as "economic resistance," arguing that the Mt Kenya region’s financial contributions have been historically undervalued and politically marginalised. 

"We have withheld our money back at home, and I urge you to do the same that you are doing here," he said, asserting that the Kenya Kwanza government has failed economically and politically.

The former deputy president's call has provoked a swift and strong backlash from political leaders across the spectrum. Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi has condemned the directive as "reckless and dangerous," accusing Gachagua of undermining national unity during a period of economic uncertainty and political unrest. "You want to tell people from the mountain to keep their money in their pockets and wait for you until 2027? I think you have a mental issue," Sudi remarked.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa echoed similar concerns, criticising Gachagua for tarnishing the government's image abroad. "This country benefits highly from diaspora remittances every financial year," Barasa said, adding that discouraging such inflows undermines one of Kenya’s most vital sources of foreign exchange. He further questioned Gachagua’s leadership credentials, citing his exclusive meetings with members of his ethnic community as evidence of divisive politics.

Adding to the political tension, a rally organised by Gachagua’s allies in Nakuru County was reportedly disrupted by police. According to Gachagua, the convoy was blocked along the Nakuru–Nyahururu highway and subjected to teargas by officers allegedly acting on instructions from Sam Mburu, the husband of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. Gachagua alleged that Mburu, described as a close business associate of President William Ruto, has been exerting undue influence over law enforcement in the region.

Speaking from Boston, Gachagua claimed that Mburu had boasted to police officers about his role in national government operations and his involvement in importing goods such as fertiliser, power metres, and duty-free commodities on behalf of the President. He further alleged that Mburu had threatened to transfer officers who failed to comply with his directives, citing his financial contributions to Ruto’s campaign as justification for his authority.

The police disruption of the rally in Subukia has also drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, who view it as a sign of increasing political repression. Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala, who were present during the incident, accused the government of using state machinery to silence dissent. Despite the confrontation, the leaders managed to proceed with their engagements, vowing to continue mobilising support ahead of 2027.

Diaspora remittances form a significant portion of Kenya's foreign exchange earnings, contributing to the country's economic stability.