Is Gachagua Still in America to Rebrand Himself, or Has He Simply Overstayed His Welcome? What You Need to Know

Rigathi Gachagua is still in the United States. Yes, still. The impeached Deputy President has not yet returned to Nairobi, and his trip is starting to look like one of those long foreign tours that leaves people back home wondering if he even remembers where home is.

When he first announced he was going to the US, some expected a short trip with a few meetings, some handshakes, and then back to Kenya. But no, Gachagua seems to have made himself comfortable in America. His journey has stretched into weeks, and now many are asking if he may have overstayed his welcome.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto is preparing to make his own visit to the United States next month. The timing is not helping Gachagua’s image. People are comparing the two trips, and many are already predicting that Ruto’s state visit will completely overshadow whatever the former Deputy President is trying to achieve in America.

On X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua has been busy posting updates about his meetings and his big ideas. For example, he proudly wrote:

“I am excited to join other leaders and policy makers here in Washington DC for the Global Leadership Forum.”

That sounds impressive on paper. But back home, people are asking: who exactly invited him? And why is he attending forums when his political career is hanging by a thread after impeachment?

In another post he declared:

“Kenyans in the Diaspora are a key pillar in our nation’s economy. I met with our brothers and sisters in Boston, and I assured them that their concerns will reach Nairobi.”

A noble message, yes. But Kenyans in Boston might have wondered what power he has left to make promises when Parliament already showed him the door. One could almost imagine some of them nodding politely and then whispering to each other: “Does this man still have an office in Nairobi?”

And he did not stop there. In another update he wrote:

“Partnerships with global institutions are important for our development. We had constructive discussions with stakeholders on education and technology.”

Constructive discussions? The phrase is so polished it could pass for a corporate press release. But when the news reached Kenya, critics were quick to point out that Ruto is the one preparing for meetings with real heads of state, while Gachagua is busy attending side events and taking photos with “stakeholders.”

There is also the small matter of the political climate back home. While he is networking abroad, Kenya is moving on without him. Governors are busy with their counties, MPs are chasing funds, and the President is cementing his power. For a man who was once the second in command, Gachagua’s absence feels less like diplomacy and more like self-exile.

His critics have not spared him either. They see the tour as a desperate attempt to stay relevant and show he is still “working” even though his office is gone. His supporters, on the other hand, say he is using the trip to rebrand himself and prepare for a comeback. But even they admit the timing is not great, especially with Ruto heading to the US for a state visit that will attract much bigger headlines.

Still, Gachagua has not lost his confidence. His tweets show a man determined to project importance:

“Kenya’s future depends on strong global networks. We must continue building bridges with partners worldwide.”

Beautiful words. But Kenyans on X quickly replied with mocking comments, asking him which bridges he plans to build when his own bridge to power has already collapsed.

And let’s not forget the elephant in the room. When Ruto finally lands in Washington, cameras will flash, headlines will scream, and leaders will gather around him. Whatever spotlight Gachagua was enjoying in America will suddenly vanish.

Featured image via Screengrab