DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s extended US tour has once again put the spotlight on why political bigwigs look abroad when building and financing their political networks at home.
He left the country on Wednesday for the US, where he is expected to engage Kenyans in several states and popularise his party.
The former Deputy President is expected to remain in the US until mid-October, according to his itinerary.
The trip has been viewed as an opportunity to tap into the Kenyan diaspora which has over the years emerged as an important source of political support and funding.
It is widely believed that Gachagua could seek financial support during his various stops, although his team has not publicly disclosed any fundraising plans.
His tour came against a backdrop of past political campaigns in which diaspora networks have played a role in raising resources, mobilising voters and building support for candidates seeking elective office.
There is a large concentration of Kenyans in the US with strong economic influence at home through remittances, hence attractive for politicians preparing for elections.
President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta did extensive tours abroad ahead of their 2013 and 2017 elections. It is not clear how much they raised.
Raila Odinga (deceased) got millions in funding from Kenyans abroad.
Gachagua has himself cited the contribution of Kenyans abroad to the country's foreign exchange earnings as one of the reasons for continuing consultations with the diaspora.
They sent about Sh370 billion in the first seven months of this year.
His itinerary includes political engagements in Spokane, Washington, from September 4 to September 10.
This will be followed by activities in Oregon (Sep 10-16), Kansas (Sep 16-24), Dallas (Sep 24-Oct 1) and Boston (Oct 1-9).
Before beginning the political engagements, Gachagua said he would take about 10 days to rest and rejuvenate, including spending time with his wife Dorcas.
But the former DP has also made it clear that his lengthy absence is intended to give him room to reflect on his political future away from the influence of his associates.
“I will stay for a while, and there is a reason; there are things I'm planning that cannot be planned here,” he said.
Gachagua said being away from his political allies would allow him to make decisions independently.
“When I'm here there's a lot of influence - Kaguchia [Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia] tells me this, Methu [Nyandarua Senator John Methu] that; this pulls me one way, this the other way. I want to make decisions without undue influence,” he said.
Gachagua's US visit is also taking place during the period when President William Ruto is scheduled to attend this year's United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Political observers said attention should be paid to the political calculations Gachagua is making while away from his close associates.
“The question the media should strive to answer is what is this decision that he wants to make without Methu, and the likes?” a state source said.
Gachagua's tour is expected to test how much support he commands among Kenyans abroad.
The former DP has left his deputy Cleophas Malala and Senator Methu in charge of the party while he is away.
“They have sufficient instructions to take charge with the secretary general-designate and keep the party going, keep calling out President Ruto,” he said.
Gachagua said he had connected the two leaders with his information sources to enable them to sustain the party's activities during his absence.
“I have asked my team in DCP to keep the fire burning. They will be all over the country. They will be in Laikipia this weekend,” he said.
Gachagua's tour comes as opposition leaders continue to grapple with the question of who should lead their charge against Ruto in 2027.
With 2027 drawing closer, the diaspora is likely to remain an increasingly important part of the political fundraising and mobilisation equation.
