Rigathi Gachagua to Fly to US, Set to Brief Kenyans in Diaspora on State of the Nation
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua announced a US trip amid Kenya's deepening political crisis
- He claimed that threats were made regarding his travel, alleging the source as people close to President William Ruto
- Gachagua vowed to support and stand by Kenyans, warning he would return if things worsened at home and explaining why he had to leave during such a crucial period
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he will be flying to the United States later today, July 9.
Source: UGC
His announcement came just days after the Saba Saba protests, which rocked the country, leaving a trail of casualties and destruction in their wake.
Speaking during a press conference, the former deputy president urged the public and his supporters to understand the timing of his departure.
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He explained that his visit to the US is aimed at engaging Kenyans in the diaspora and updating the international community on the current situation in Kenya.
“Tonight, I shall be travelling to the US to talk to Kenyans in the diaspora and the international community about the state of the nation," he said. "I would have wanted to stay in the country at this very difficult time when our people are under siege, but I have engagements that I’m not able to postpone.”
Will Gachagua be arrested at the airport?
The outspoken politician alleged that some individuals closely associated with President William Ruto had attempted to intimidate him by threatening to prevent his departure from the country.
“I have been threatened by people close to Ruto who called some of my people today, that they will want to stop me from leaving the country,” he stated.
Despite the alleged threats, Gachagua remained defiant.
“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. Even if you tried to sell us fear, we cannot buy it. If I'm stopped from going, I am still okay. I will be here because this is my country,” he said.
Source: Facebook
What are Gachagua's plans while abroad?
Gachagua said that while he will be away, he has made arrangements with leaders from the United Opposition to create a legal support network for young protesters who were arrested in the recent demonstrations.
According to him, this group of lawyers will provide legal aid to those facing what he termed “trumped-up charges of terrorism”.
He also encouraged fellow opposition figures to remain alert and keep engaging with the public.
“I want to ask our leaders here to be vigilant and continue speaking to the people of Kenya. Should the situation get out of hand and I need to cut my trip short, I will come back and join the other leaders in defending our people and speaking up for them. I will gladly do so,” he said.
Who was behind the recent police station attacks?
In the same press address, Gachagua weighed in on the recent torching of police stations and courts during the Gen Z protests.
Gachagua claimed that the events were stage-managed by individuals within the government, including Ruto and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
He argued that the goal was to use the incidents to justify charges against protestors under anti-terror laws.
He further alleged that looting and vandalism witnessed during the Saba Saba protests were carried out by a state-backed militia, working alongside police.
According to him, this was part of a broader plan to create division and pin the blame on communities that are critical of the current administration.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
