EX-DP Rigathi Gachagua lands in Spokane, Washington for diaspora engagements/FBFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has arrived in Spokane, Washington State in the United States, where he is set to engage Kenyans living in the country as part of his ongoing diaspora engagements.
He arrived alongside his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
Gachagua announced his arrival, saying he had travelled to the state to meet Kenyans and discuss issues affecting the country as well as ways the diaspora can contribute to Kenya’s development.
The former Deputy President said he was pleased to receive a warm welcome from Kenyans living in Spokane, whom he described as hardworking and determined to improve their lives despite being away from home.
“It is truly fulfilling to be welcomed here by my supporters and hardworking Kenyans who refuse to be confined by borders and have gone above and beyond to improve their lives,” Gachagua said.
His visit comes as he continues to reach out to Kenyans living abroad, who have become an increasingly important source of foreign currency for the country through remittances.
The ex-DP highlighted the growing contribution of the diaspora to Kenya’s economy, noting that remittances have surpassed traditional foreign exchange earners such as tea and coffee.
He said the development demonstrated the significance of Kenyans abroad to the country’s economic wellbeing, particularly through the money they send home to support families and investments.
The former Deputy President, however, used the opportunity to raise concerns over the management of public resources in Kenya, calling on Kenyans abroad to take an interest in how the country is governed.
Gachagua argued that the economic contribution of the diaspora should be accompanied by a role in demanding accountability from those entrusted with managing public resources.
He criticised what he described as mismanagement and misappropriation of resources, urging Kenyans to speak out when they believe public funds are being mishandled.
“When mismanagement and misappropriation of our resources become evident under a regime that cares little for its citizens, it is our collective responsibility to speak out and seek accountability,” he said.
The remarks add a political dimension to Gachagua’s ongoing engagements with Kenyans outside the country, as he seeks to maintain contact with his supporters and other members of the diaspora.
He said his meetings in the United States would provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Kenya and explore ways in which Kenyans abroad could participate in the country’s development.
“We will have these important discussions and explore ways to contribute to the development and future of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua’s Spokane engagement marks the opening leg of an extended tour of the United States, with stops planned in five cities between September and October.
According to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) itinerary, the former Deputy President will be in Spokane from September 4 to 10 before heading to Portland, Oregon, where he is scheduled to spend several days.
His programme will then take him to Kansas, Dallas and Boston, with the US engagements expected to conclude later in October.
The tour follows his departure from Kenya on August 26 for an extended stay in the US.
