Rigathi Gachagua Abruptly Cuts Short His US Trip Days after Daring Govt to Arrest Him
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's trip to the United States was expected to take two months
- On Thursday, August 14, Gachagua issued a statement explaining why he had been forced to cut short his trip
- Gachagua's move comes amid calls for his arrest by President William Ruto's close political allies
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Former deputy president and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has announced plans to cut short his trip to the United States.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua has been in the US for several weeks, where he strongly criticised President William Ruto's administration.
At some point, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen threatened to order the arrest of the former DP after he linked Ruto to Al-Shabaab.
Why has Rigathi Gachagua cut short his US trip?
Amid the ongoing controversy, Gachagua has now announced plans to return to the country in less than two months, as he had earlier intended to stay in the US.
In a statement on Thursday, August 14, Gachagua said he was cutting short his trip to join the DCP party's campaigns ahead of the upcoming by-elections
"I had a very successful and fulfilling visit to the United States of America with serious engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora. I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining States since I need to get back home to join our party, DCP party, in preparation for the upcoming by-elections in various parts of our country," Gachagua said.
When will Rigathi Gachagua return back to Kenya?
The former second in command apologised to the organisers of his US trip, adding that a similar trip will be organised early next year.
"I am sorry to cut my trip short; my profound apologies to the organisers and Kenyans whom I were to meet; the same has been rescheduled for early next year," he stated.
Gachagua revealed that he would soon release his travel plans, including the date and time of his flight back home.
"I have taken a few days to rest before heading home, and as promised, my itinerary will be made public. I thank the Kenyans in the States for the love, warmth, and hospitality they accorded to us. I salute the organisers and officials of the DCP chapters for superb planning, organisation, and meticulous coordination," he added.
Source: Twitter
How many people will welcome Gachagua at the airport?
In related news, DCP deputy leader Cleo Malala slammed the government over threats to arrest Gachagua upon his arrival.
The former Kakamega senator vowed to lead a massive show of force at the airport when the former deputy president returns.
Malala challenged the Kenya Kwanza government to move forward with its alleged plan to arrest their party leader.
The DCP deputy party leader, speaking in a charged crowd in Embu county, declared that they would mobilise 300,000 supporters to welcome the former deputy president from the airport.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
