Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a rallying call to women—especially those in the diaspora—to rise up and vie for leadership positions in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a diaspora engagement in Richardson, Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Gachagua urged women to take an active role in reshaping Kenya’s political direction, which he described as teetering on a dangerous path.

The former second-in-command, who was impeached in October 2024 following a political fallout with President William Ruto, said the country is in dire need of new leadership to address long-standing issues such as economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality.

Vacant seats, fresh voices

“For the women, as much as we nominate you, you must also fight for these seats,” Gachagua said. “Most of these seats are vacant. Most of these MPs—wananchi wamemalizana na wao. So we want to encourage you people to stand.”

He challenged Kenyan women abroad not to wait for appointments but to boldly step into the political arena. The former DP noted that many leaders have lost touch with the electorate, creating space for new voices.

His remarks come at a time of mounting dissatisfaction with the current administration, amplified by nationwide protests and rising complaints lodged with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Gachagua singled out Texas-based women, asking, “Where are the women from Texas? I have met most men here who have shown an eye for several seats back in Kenya.” His appeal signalled a push to diversify and energise his political base ahead of a possible presidential bid.

Diaspora support critical

Tying his message to economic realities, Gachagua praised the Kenyan diaspora for their patriotism and remittance contributions. “Tonight at Richardson, in Dallas, I had a candid discussion with Kenyans living in Texas. I thanked them for their continued voice on matters in Kenya… Their pain and ours on the state of our nation remain intertwined,” he stated.

He said the diaspora must be included in the national conversation, especially on matters of governance, justice, and economic reform. Gachagua pledged to work with diaspora communities to “reboot the economic, political, and moral direction of our country for the good of future generations.”

Political intimidation

The former DP also addressed recent tensions within the opposition, pointing to the teargassing of his allies during a rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on August 2. “There is a deliberate attempt to frustrate and threaten our political engagements. But we are not afraid,” he said.

As he builds a people-powered coalition, Gachagua positions himself as a defender of integrity, truth, and human dignity—warning that the current political direction could spell doom if unchecked.