As per the reports by the Star, Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, has joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the United States as both seek to win the hearts and wallets of Kenyans living abroad.
While the two leaders are part of the same political side, they are now competing for the same goal becoming president in 2027.
Their visits to the US, though separate, have one common aim: to connect with the Kenyan diaspora, which has become a powerful political and economic force.
Matiang’i flew out of the country on Thursday and is expected to start his public engagements on Saturday in Baltimore.
He will speak at a town hall meeting at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbour, a 500-seater venue where Kenyans living in the area will gather to hear his plans.
An invitation shared with Kenyans in Baltimore says he will engage with them in meaningful dialogue, listen to their concerns, and give insights based on his experience in public service.
After Baltimore, he will head to Maryland, Minneapolis, and Minnesota, holding meetings with Kenyans to pitch his agenda.
On the other hand, Gachagua left Kenya earlier, on July 9, and is on a two-month stay in the US. He has already met with Kenyans in Seattle and Washington and recently arrived in Boston with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua.
He was welcomed by Kenyans living there and said the visit was about coming together to talk about how to improve the country.
His message was clear he wants to strengthen ties with the diaspora and show them that they are a key part of Kenya’s future.
Though they are not holding joint meetings, the fact that both are in the US at the same time shows that the battle for 2027 has already begun.
The diaspora vote and financial support are now seen as important tools in any serious presidential campaign.
With remittances reaching more than Sh325 billion in the past six months, it’s no surprise that both leaders are rushing to tap into this resource.
The United States is home to around 157,000 Kenyans, making it one of the most important regions for anyone eyeing the presidency.
Beyond just sending money back home, these Kenyans have shown growing interest in taking part in elections and helping shape Kenya’s future.
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