Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua came out in his defense after his recent utterances against the leadership of Kenya, reiterating that his statements are fact-based and driven by a desire for good governance.

While addressing the Kenyan diaspora at Holy Names University in San Francisco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Gachagua reiterated that his comments were meant for the leaders and not the nation or its people.

“I am not talking ill of my country, just speaking the truth. I am not saying that Kenya is bad; it is a beautiful country, with good people but with poor leadership,” he said.

He commended the accomplishments of Kenyans living abroad, describing them as proof of the country’s vast, untapped potential.

“I must say you have come to a foreign land and stamped authority by succeeding. You have businesses that are successful where you are employed; you have made an impact. This is encouraging; it gives me hope that, as much as we have problems back at home, all is not lost. Our greatest asset as a nation is the human resources. If you guys can thrive here, it says if we get working systems at home, things too can work,” he stated.

Gachagua described his U.S. visit as transformative, saying it had strengthened his determination to push for leadership reforms.

“I came calling here a month ago… I am a wiser person. I’m not the way I came. By the time I go back home, I am a better leader. I have seen so much,” he said.

He pledged to continue his party’s Skiza Wakenya (Listen to Kenyans) campaign, promising to shape policies that reflect the needs of the people.

“I have made it a deliberate modus operandi that my leadership will be informed by listening to the people of Kenya as our employers. As a leader, I am informed. For me to succeed and be considered a worthy leader, I must continue listening to Kenyans so that I align with the needs of people,” he said.

Gachagua also delivered sharp criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of appointing “two drug barons” to the Cabinet. He called the move “sad” and unacceptable, linking his anti-drug stance to the personal loss of a brother to alcoholism.

“It is so sad that Kenya is the only country in the world where we have two drug barons sitting in the cabinet today. They are all known to have been trafficking and supplying drugs to Kenyans. That is how serious things are,” he stated.

As a solution, Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to intensify the fight against drug abuse once he takes power.

“I lost a brother to drinking; it is why I am passionate about drug abuse and alcoholism back at home. I worked very hard back as DP to ensure that illicit brew is not available at home,” he pledged.

He confirmed that his team will roll out comprehensive plans to rehabilitate those affected by the drug crisis.

“Once we form a government, we will have a deliberate policy to deal with drug abuse and rehabilitation for our children,” he added.