Gachagua in Seattle to Rally Financial, Political Support from Kikuyu Diaspora
Embattled former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in Seattle, Washington, kicking off a two-month political tour of the United States as he seeks to consolidate both financial and political backing from members of the Kenyan diaspora, particularly his native Kikuyu community.
Over the weekend, Gachagua attended the first-ever Ngemi Cia Ruraya cultural gathering in Federal Way, a city south of Seattle that hosts one of the largest populations of Kikuyu immigrants in the US. He was joined at the event by former Justice Minister and opposition leader Martha Karua, who has also expressed interest in vying for the presidency in 2027.
The event brought together hundreds of Kikuyu residents in a display of cultural pride, unity, and growing political relevance.
Gachagua, who has sharply criticised President William Ruto in recent months, used the occasion to rally diaspora support and position himself as a key figure in the race to succeed Ruto.
His public fallout with the president has seen him accuse the administration of tribal exclusion and economic mismanagement, with central Kenya leaders increasingly expressing discontent over their perceived sidelining.
Back home, Gachagua has been accused of promoting tribal politics at the expense of other communities.
The Kikuyu community in Seattle, particularly in Federal Way, has become a powerful economic bloc, with many running successful adult living homes—regulated facilities that provide care and housing to elderly Americans needing assistance with daily activities..
The sector, buoyed by government support programmes and an aging US, population, has grown into a multi-billion-shilling industry dominated by Kenyan immigrants.
Adult living homes offer services including personal care, medication management, meals, and supervision in residential settings.
With high demand and low overhead compared to institutional nursing homes, the business has offered financial independence to many Kenyan entrepreneurs abroad—making them a prime target for political fundraising.
The Kenyan diaspora in the US is estimated at over 200,000, with Washington State alone home to more than 30,000 Kenyans.
Politicians frequently court this constituency not only for financial backing but also for its growing influence on the political discourse back home.
Gachagua’s US itinerary is expected to include stops in Texas, California, and Massachusetts, where more diaspora events are planned.
His Seattle appearance alongside Karua has fueled speculation of a possible political alignment, though both leaders have remained guarded on their 2027 ambitions.
Karua said over the weekend that she is not ready to be anyone’s running mate again.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org