Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has banned video recordings during a question-and-answer session at a public event in the United States.
“There will be no recording of videos during asking of questions,” the event moderator announced before the Q&A began.
This happened in an event, held in Washington, D.C., aimed to engage members of the Kenyan diaspora and address issues affecting citizens abroad. However, the unexpected restriction overshadowed much of the dialogue.
No explanation was given at the time for the ban. It remains unclear whether the directive came directly from Gachagua’s team or was a condition set by event organizers.
The live stream was cut short has Gachagua started taking questions.
Gachagua, who has been a polarizing figure in Kenyan politics, has previously faced criticism for his combative style and remarks during public engagements.
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Despite the recording restriction, the event proceeded as planned, with Gachagua responding to pre-screened questions from the audience.
Gachagua Under fire Over ‘Murima First’ Remarks
This comes just days after meeting with Kenyans living in Baltimore on July 27, Gachagua found himself facing tough questions from young diaspora citizens about his political future and rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Valentine Wanjiru Githae, speaking on behalf of the youth-driven 625 Movement, criticized Gachagua for perpetuating ethnic-based politics that, in her view, disproportionately elevate the Kikuyu community.
“If we identify solely as Kikuyus, other communities will follow suit, and we risk falling back into the same divisive cycle. Hard work isn’t exclusive to any one tribe. This entitlement among Kikuyus must come to an end,” she stated.
She also questioned how Gen Z voters could connect with Gachagua’s “mountain politics” narrative, which she described as outdated.
“The politics we’re seeing now feels like it’s stuck two decades in the past—that’s what worries us,” she added.
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In response, Gachagua insisted that residents from the Mt. Kenya region face systemic bias and unfair treatment, and action is necessary to protect them. He expressed confidence in the youth, calling them “tribeless and fearless,” and suggesting they could help push back against such challenges.
Gachagua US Tour
Back in June, reports emerged that the former DP, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), would tour several cities in the U.S. between July and August in a bid to woo the Kenyan diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reports indicated that he is set to visit cities such as Dallas, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore during the tour where he will hold several town hall meetings with Kenyans living in the U.S. and attend social gatherings to promote his agenda for the diaspora community.
The former DP was also expected to interact with selected American businesspeople and investors as part of a broader campaign to position the opposition as a viable alternative in the run-up to the 2027 general election.
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