Ukambani leaders critique Gachagua’s US tour, emphasise unity ahead of elections

Ukambani leaders allied with President William Ruto have dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent tour of the United States, labeling it as unproductive.

Led by UDA National Organizing Secretary and Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Kawaya, the leaders urged Gachagua and his political associates to temper their expectations regarding his return to Kenya.

Gachagua is set to return next Thursday after a month-long visit to the US, where he engaged with Kenyan expatriates in various states.

He recently announced that he would be shortening his trip to prepare his Democratic Change Party (DCP) for the upcoming by-elections.

However, Kawaya was critical of the trip, asserting that the country has experienced a period of stability since Gachagua’s departure.

He claimed that Kenyans in the diaspora expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as Gachagua’s “divisive and tribalistic politics.”

“President William Ruto is firmly on course for a second term. We urge the Kamba community not to be swayed into the opposition by rhetoric that divides the country,” Kawaya stated.

His views were supported by Nominated Senator Beth Syengo, Kangundo MP Fabian Kyule, and Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai, who stressed the importance of maintaining national unity and patriotism while avoiding toxic politics leading up to the 2027 elections.

The leaders made their remarks in Mutomo, Kitui South constituency, during a boda boda empowerment event.