Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Pastor Dorcas engaged Kenyan clergy in Chelmsford, UK, addressing diaspora concerns over governance, economy, and reforms.
Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, hosted a significant gathering of Kenyan diaspora clergy in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, as part of their ongoing two-month tour of the United States. The event, held in the vibrant hub of the Kenyan diaspora, aimed to engage religious leaders and community members in discussions about Kenya’s current socio-political landscape and the policies shaping its future. This gathering comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya, with Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) positioning itself as a formidable opposition to President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Chelmsford meeting underscored Gachagua’s strategy to leverage the diaspora’s influence while addressing pressing concerns about governance, economic policies, and social issues back home.
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Rigathi Gachagua, impeached as Kenya’s Deputy President in October 2024, embarked on a two-month U.S. tour starting July 9, 2025, to connect with the Kenyan diaspora and international stakeholders. Accompanied by Pastor Dorcas, Gachagua has visited cities such as Seattle, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore, with Chelmsford being a notable stop due to its large Kenyan community. The tour is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the DCP, launched on May 15, 2025, as a social democratic party inspired by Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, focusing on equitable resource distribution and inclusive governance.
The Kenyan diaspora, estimated at over 3 million globally, holds significant political and economic potential. In the U.S., particularly in areas like Seattle and Boston, the community is tight-knit, sustaining cultural festivals and associations. Gachagua’s engagement, including the opening of a DCP satellite office in Seattle, aims to harness this potential for political mobilization and advocacy. The Chelmsford event specifically targeted clergy, recognizing their influence in shaping community narratives and fostering unity among Kenyans abroad.
The Chelmsford meeting brought together Kenyan clergy from various denominations, providing a platform to discuss Kenya’s socio-political challenges and the diaspora’s role in addressing them. Gachagua, addressing the clergy, emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in tackling Kenya’s issues, particularly what he describes as “state-sponsored oppression” under President Ruto’s administration. He highlighted concerns over economic mismanagement, rising taxation, and alleged violence against dissenters, especially in the Mt. Kenya region, which forms his political base.
Pastor Dorcas, a prominent figure in her own right, played a pivotal role in the event. As a pastor and the founder of the Dorcas Rigathi Mercy Ministries, she has a strong track record of community work, particularly with widows and youth struggling with addiction. Her address to the clergy focused on moral leadership and the church’s responsibility to advocate for justice and equity. She urged the clergy to use their platforms to speak out against policies that undermine Kenya’s social fabric, including those perceived as oppressive or divisive.
The event also featured discussions on specific policy concerns, including the controversial Finance Bill 2025, which has sparked protests in Kenya due to its proposed tax hikes, and the government’s handling of dissent, which Gachagua claims involves state-sponsored violence. The clergy expressed alarm over the erosion of democratic space and the targeting of opposition voices, echoing sentiments raised by Gachagua during his U.S. tour.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s involvement in the Chelmsford event underscores her growing influence as a moral and social advocate. Born in 1965 in Ndunyu ya Chege, Muranga County, and raised in Thika’s Kiandutu slums, Dorcas’s journey from humble beginnings to Kenya’s Second Lady (2022–2024) is a testament to her resilience. A trained teacher with a Bachelor of Education from Kenyatta University, she also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Breakthrough International Bible University for her work with widows and youth.
Her Boychild Initiative, launched to rehabilitate young men struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, has been a cornerstone of her advocacy. Addressing the clergy in Chelmsford, Dorcas clarified that the initiative is funded by well-wishers and donors, not taxpayer money, countering earlier criticisms. She emphasized the need for the church to support vulnerable populations, drawing parallels between her domestic efforts and the diaspora’s role in advocating for better governance.
Dorcas also addressed controversial remarks made by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who recently accused her of infidelity and mocked Gachagua’s leadership. These remarks, made at a rally in Narok, sparked widespread outrage, with the DCP Women League and other leaders condemning them as defamatory and disrespectful. In Chelmsford, Dorcas called for unity among the clergy to reject such personal attacks and focus on substantive policy discussions, reinforcing her call for dignified public discourse.
The Chelmsford gathering highlighted several policy issues dominating Kenya’s political discourse in 2025:
Economic Policies and Taxation: The Finance Bill 2025 has been a flashpoint, with critics arguing that its tax proposals exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis. Gachagua and the clergy criticized the government’s approach, calling for policies that prioritize economic relief and equitable resource distribution.
Governance and Democratic Space: Gachagua reiterated claims of state-sponsored violence and intimidation, particularly in Mt. Kenya, accusing President Ruto of orchestrating attacks on businesses and dissenters. The clergy expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space and the government’s use of terror laws to suppress protests.
Social Issues: Pastor Dorcas highlighted the need for policies addressing social challenges, such as youth addiction and the marginalization of widows. She urged the clergy to advocate for community-driven solutions, drawing on her experience with the Boychild Initiative and her work with widows.
Diaspora Voting Rights: The clergy raised the issue of diaspora voting, noting that only 10,444 Kenyans abroad were registered to vote in 2022, despite a diaspora population of over 3 million. Gachagua pledged to push for expanded voting access, recognizing the diaspora’s growing political influence.
The Chelmsford event cannot be divorced from the ongoing political rivalry between Gachagua and President Ruto. Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, following allegations of corruption and constitutional violations, marked a turning point in their relationship. Since then, Gachagua has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration, accusing it of economic mismanagement and authoritarianism. His U.S. tour, including the Chelmsford gathering, is seen as a strategic move to rally support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy surrounding Ichung’wah’s remarks about Pastor Dorcas has further escalated tensions. The DCP Women League and other allies, including former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, condemned the remarks, calling for politicians to keep families out of political disputes. Kuria’s critique, invoking a “Geneva Convention” for Kenyan politics, underscores the need for civility in public discourse, a theme echoed by the clergy in Chelmsford.
The Kenyan diaspora clergy play a unique role in bridging communities in the U.S. and Kenya. Their influence extends beyond spiritual leadership, as they often serve as cultural and political connectors. In Chelmsford, the clergy committed to amplifying Gachagua’s and Dorcas’s messages, advocating for policies that promote equity and justice. They also expressed interest in supporting the DCP’s initiatives, such as the Seattle satellite office, to enhance diaspora engagement.
The clergy’s involvement aligns with Pastor Dorcas’s earlier calls for religious leaders to take an active role in social justice. Her 2022 statement, “The Church is on the ballot,” reflects her belief in the clergy’s potential to influence policy and elections. In Chelmsford, this message resonated, with clergy pledging to educate their communities about Kenya’s challenges and mobilize support for change.
The Chelmsford gathering highlights the growing influence of the Kenyan diaspora in shaping the country’s political landscape. With the 2027 elections approaching, Gachagua’s engagement with the diaspora, particularly through events like Chelmsford, positions the DCP as a contender against Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The diaspora’s economic contributions—remittances accounted for $4.17 billion in 2024—and potential voting power make it a critical constituency.
Pastor Dorcas’s role as a moral and social advocate strengthens the DCP’s appeal, particularly among religious and marginalized communities. Her emphasis on dignity, unity, and community-driven solutions resonates with both domestic and diaspora audiences. However, the personal attacks against her underscore the challenges of navigating Kenya’s polarized political environment, where family members are increasingly drawn into disputes.
The Chelmsford meeting hosted by Rigathi Gachagua and Pastor Dorcas Rigathi was a pivotal moment in their U.S. tour, highlighting the diaspora’s role in addressing Kenya’s policy challenges. By engaging the clergy, the couple tapped into a powerful network capable of influencing both spiritual and political narratives. The discussions on economic policies, governance, and social issues reflect broader concerns about Kenya’s direction under President Ruto’s administration. As Gachagua and Dorcas continue their tour, their ability to mobilize the diaspora and maintain momentum for the DCP will be crucial in shaping their political comeback and Kenya’s future.
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