Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised Kenyans residing in the United States against returning home in a hurry, warning that the socio-economic situation in Kenya remains highly unfavourable due to poor governance and economic mismanagement.
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Speaking to members of the Kenyan diaspora during a town hall engagement in Oregon on Friday night, September 11, 2026, Gachagua bluntly stated that the domestic job market and economic ecosystem offer few opportunities for returning citizens.
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GACHAGUA DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT
[ Oregon Town Hall ] ──► “Pale si kuzuri” — Urges diaspora to hold off returning
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[ Role of US Diaspora ] ──► Anchor local communities; facilitate exit of more youth
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[ Critique of Govt ] ──► Wasteful benchmarking trips vs. tapping diaspora talent
1. “Pale Si Kuzuri”: Advisory to the Diaspora
Gachagua urged Kenyans living in the US to prioritize building long-term security abroad and helping other young Kenyans secure relocation opportunities, rather than making hasty decisions to return home.
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“Don’t be in a hurry to come back to Kenya. Pale si kuzuri… Stay here, hold the line, and help other young people back home who are looking for opportunities to relocate.”
— Rigathi Gachagua, DCP Party Leader
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The DCP leader argued that widespread unemployment, rising living costs, and failing public services have eroded the domestic economic environment, making remittances and cross-border support from the diaspora essential for keeping households afloat.
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2. Critique of Government “Benchmarking” and Infrastructure Failures
During his address, Gachagua targeted the Kenya Kwanza administration for spending public funds on foreign benchmarking tours, arguing that the government overlooks the massive technical expertise already available within the diaspora community.
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| Sector / Issue | Gachagua’s Observations & Critiques |
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| **Benchmarking Trips** | Criticized costly state delegations abroad; urged consulting US diaspora instead.|
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| **Drainage & Infrastructure** | Noted US cities handle heavy rains efficiently, unlike chronic flooding in Kenya.|
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| **Healthcare Infrastructure** | Highlighted systemic deterioration in Kenyan public healthcare delivery. |
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| **Devolution Framework** | Contrasted functional US federal/local structures with struggling Kenya units. |
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Gachagua pointed to urban infrastructure as a clear indicator of governance failure, contrasting how developed nations manage stormwater with the severe flooding that routinely paralyzes Kenyan towns during seasonal rains.
3. Context of Gachagua’s Extended US Tour
Gachagua’s engagement in Oregon forms part of an extended 50-day tour across the United States, which commenced on August 26, 2026.
Nairobi Leo
US TOUR MILESTONES & MEETINGS
[ Spokane, Washington ] ──► Met diaspora groups; discussed security & state of nation
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[ Portland, Oregon ] ──► Addressed clergy on freedom of worship & economic plans
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[ Oregon Town Hall ] ──► Issued “Pale si kuzuri” advisory & policy vision
Throughout his tour—which has included stops in Spokane, Portland, and Oregon—Gachagua has met with community leaders, church ministers, and professional associations. He has assured the diaspora that a future government under his alignment would focus on safeguarding resources, respecting the freedom of worship, and leveraging diaspora technical expertise to rebuild the national economy.
