Gachagua Dismisses Arrest Threats Ahead of U.S. Trip, Vows to Defend Protesters

 

By Janet Philip

 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defiantly brushed off threats of arrest allegedly coming from individuals close to President William Ruto, asserting that he is undeterred as he prepares to travel to the United States tonight.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Gachagua claimed that efforts were being made to bar him from leaving the country for a diaspora engagement tour across several U.S. states. He said close associates had informed him of warnings allegedly issued to prevent his departure.

"I have been threatened by people close to William Ruto who called some of my people today and said that they will want to stop me from leaving the country," said Gachagua. "I have no problem. If you want to come and arrest me at the airport, as you were threatening us, you can go ahead. You cannot sell fear to us, and even if you sold it to us, we cannot buy it."

The former DP was ousted from office in October 2024 and has since emerged as a vocal critic of the current administration. He now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), a new political outfit through which he hopes to rally both local and diaspora support ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua’s trip to the U.S., his first foreign travel since his removal, comes amid a political storm following the arrest of 37 Kenyans on terrorism charges. The charges, authorized by the Director of Public Prosecution on July 8, link the accused to disruptive actions during the June 25 protests, including the burning of Kiambu Law Courts. Among those arrested are known allies of Gachagua.

Another of his close associates, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, appeared in court earlier today to face similar terrorism-related accusations. Mukunji is alleged to have financed hired goons during the July 7 Saba Saba protests.

Despite the legal crackdown, Gachagua remains resolute in his opposition stance. He announced that the United Opposition had mobilized a pool of lawyers to defend those he referred to as "innocent citizens falsely branded as terrorists."

The former DP’s U.S. itinerary includes stops in Texas, California, Washington, Massachusetts, and Maryland through July and August. During the trip, he is expected to meet with Kenyan diaspora communities, hold town hall forums, and engage with American investors and business leaders.

"This is more than a trip; it’s a mission to reconnect with Kenyans abroad, listen to their concerns, and present a real alternative to the current leadership," Gachagua said.

His party, DCP, is expected to use the U.S. tour as a platform to galvanize support and fundraise, marking a critical step in positioning Gachagua as a formidable opposition figure ahead of the 2027 polls.