What Gachagua’s Diaspora Outreach Says About His 2027 Game Plan

As Kenya gears up for the 2027 elections, prominent political figures are actively courting the Kenyan diaspora in the United States. 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has embarked on a multi-state tour to consolidate support, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is also engaging with diaspora communities, signalling an intensifying competition for influence. Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), has already visited several key cities with substantial Kenyan populations, including Seattle, Washington D.C., Boston, and Baltimore, Maryland. 

His itinerary includes planned stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, reflecting a deliberate strategy to engage with the politically active diaspora concentrated in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) corridor. This region is a strategic hub due to its proximity to the US capital, its high concentration of Kenyan immigrants working within the federal system, and its role as a centre for political lobbying and transnational advocacy. According to Professor David Kimori of Mankato State University, Gachagua's outreach primarily aims to mobilise support from Kenyans with roots in the Mt Kenya region, a traditional stronghold for the politician. 

"Diaspora communities play a pivotal role in Kenyan elections," Kimori explained. "They contribute financially, shape public opinion back home, and often serve as conduits for political messaging."

However, Gachagua’s rhetoric has faced scrutiny. During a recent church address in Massachusetts, he asserted that Mt Kenya communities are withholding investments in Kenya, awaiting the end of President Ruto’s administration. These statements have been criticised for potentially exacerbating ethnic tensions and failing to promote a unifying national vision, with critics warning they could perpetuate regional divisions.

Some observers have also questioned the true efficacy of these diaspora tours, suggesting they may be more symbolic than substantive. While the diaspora is often targeted for its financial resources and symbolic importance, sceptics caution that without concrete policy proposals, such visits could amount to mere political theatre.

In parallel, Fred Matiang’i is also actively engaging the diaspora. His campaign team has announced upcoming meetings in Baltimore and Minneapolis, following previous events in Atlanta and Dallas. Professor Reuben Marwanga, who coordinates Matiang’i’s diaspora outreach, emphasises that these visits are consultative, forming part of a wider dialogue on governance and reform.

The intensified efforts to secure diaspora backing reflect a growing recognition of overseas communities as influential stakeholders in Kenyan politics. However, concerns remain over the capacity of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to effectively register and enfranchise diaspora voters. Professor Eric Otenyo of Arizona State University has urged reforms to ensure broader participation and transparency in diaspora voting processes.