Aasai

The leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua has interrupted his political visit to America to save the seemingly fading opposition. Although Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi claims that “Kenya pressured America to interrupt the visit,” Mr Gachagua has said that he decided on his own to return home.

Gachagua left the country on July 9 for what he described as a two-month visit to America. He was scheduled to return to Kenya on September 8, 2025, but now claims to return home early “to lead the upcoming by-election campaigns.”

In a message he posted on his Facebook page yesterday, Mr Gachagua said his visit was good because ‘I had a serious discussion with Kenyans abroad.’

While in America, Mr Gachagua has been criticizing the government of President William Ruto, associating it with evils such as terrorism, corruption, and human rights violations. In addition, he warned Dr Rutos government against trying to steal presidential votes in the next general election, claiming that the move could incite violence.

Since he left the country, his fellow opposition leaders have failed to develop the speed of criticizing the government. It has been rare for the leaders, such as Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (PLP), and former Security Minister Fred Matiangi, to call press conferences to criticize the government.

The issue of the opposition being “cold” without Gachagua the other day was highlighted by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.In addition, his supporters, such as Senators Joe Nyutu (Muranga), John Methu (Nets), Karungu Thangwah (Kiambu), and others, have been attacked by the police every time they try to address citizens.

Yesterday, Mr Gachagua regretted that he was returning to Kenya without visiting some American states.“I am sorry that I will not be able to meet Kenyans in other states as planned. This is because I need to return home to join the leaders of our party, DCP, in preparation for the upcoming by-elections,” he said.

However, the official period of the campaigns is from October 8 to November 24, 2025. Last week, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that all 23 elections will be held on November 27, this year.

Some of the representative areas where IEBC will organize by-elections are Baringo County (senator seat) and Banissa, Magarini, Kasipul, Ugunja, Mbeere North, and Malava constituencies. In addition, it will conduct by-elections in 16 wards located in various parts of the country. Deputy Leader of DCP Cleophas Malala has announced that the party will sponsor candidates in all open representative areas.

“We have already mentioned Edgar Busiega, who will fly our flag in Malava, while Aden Mohamed is our candidate for Banissa.”However, a by-election of great importance to Mr Gachagua and the opposition in the Mbeere North constituency, located in Mount Kenya East.

He plans to use it to show President Ruto that he has taken control, politically, of the wider Mt Kenya region and that the national leader will lose a total of 3.5 million votes in the region in 2027. At the same time, DCP Secretary General Cleophas Malala yesterday issued a statement claiming that the government is plotting to arrest Mr Gachagua when he arrives in the country from America. However, the former Kakamega Senator did not give more details about the allegations.