Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued attracting public attention during his United States tour, with his activities involving firearms practice and self-defence becoming one of the most discussed aspects of his visit. After undertaking shooting practice in Texas, Gachagua proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, where his engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora have continued. His comments and activities surrounding firearms have renewed debate about personal security, preparedness, his political message and his plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Recent reports confirm that Gachagua had earlier used his time in the United States to practise and sharpen weaponry and basic combat skills that he said he had learned earlier in life while serving in the security sector. He also arranged basic self-defence training for his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. Gachagua linked the training to what he described as difficult circumstances in Kenya and said it was part of his responsibility to ensure that his family and team were prepared for what he called possible eventualities. 

Gachagua's firearms practice

The firearms issue first gained widespread attention after photographs and videos emerged showing Gachagua at a shooting range in the United States. He explained that he was not learning the skills for the first time but refreshing abilities he had acquired decades ago.

According to Gachagua, his last formal training in weaponry and basic combat skills took place in 1990. He said his American trip gave him an opportunity to return to those skills and improve his familiarity with them. 

The former Deputy President's explanation has been important in understanding why he decided to participate in firearms practice while abroad. Rather than portraying the exercise as a new interest, he presented it as a refresher of training associated with his earlier security-sector experience.

The issue nevertheless attracted considerable attention because Gachagua remains one of Kenya's most prominent political figures. His public profile means that activities which might ordinarily be viewed as private or recreational can quickly become subjects of national political discussion.

The “practice makes perfect” message

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is particularly relevant to Gachagua's firearms-related activities because regular training is widely recognised as important for maintaining skills. Shooting-range operators and firearms-training organisations commonly emphasise continued practice, although professional instructors also stress that practice must be conducted safely and correctly.

For example, Boston Gun & Rifle advertises structured marksmanship training designed to help shooters improve fundamentals, consistency and safe, repetitive shooting habits. The facility describes its programmes as suitable for people with different levels of experience and emphasises professional instruction. 

This provides broader context to the phrase associated with Gachagua's visit. In firearms training, repetition by itself is not necessarily enough. Proper instruction, safety and correct technique are critical because repeated mistakes can also become habits.

Therefore, the expression “practice makes perfect” should not be interpreted as suggesting that simply firing a firearm repeatedly automatically produces expertise. Proper training and responsible practice are important components of developing competence.

Boston and Gachagua's US tour

Gachagua's visit to Boston came after his engagements in Texas. The Star reported that he had been in Dallas from September 25 as part of a broader US tour involving meetings with Kenyans, political engagements, investors and discussions concerning Kenya's economy. The Boston leg of his tour was scheduled to run from October 1 to October 9.

The Boston visit therefore forms part of a wider political and diaspora outreach programme rather than being solely about firearms.

Gachagua has increasingly used visits to the United States to communicate directly with Kenyans living abroad. The diaspora represents an important constituency because Kenyans living overseas maintain strong political, economic and family links with the country.

During his American tour, Gachagua has continued promoting his political message and discussing the country's future. His engagements have also come at a time when political parties and leaders are positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.

His political message

The firearms discussion cannot easily be separated from Gachagua's broader political activities.

Since his removal from the position of Deputy President, he has remained active in national politics and has positioned himself as an important figure in opposition politics. His Democratic Congress Party has been involved in discussions about building a stronger opposition alliance ahead of the next General Election.

The Star reported that Gachagua used his US tour to engage diaspora groups while advancing political and economic messages ahead of the 2027 election. He has also continued discussions surrounding efforts to build a united opposition political front. 

Against this background, his appearance at firearms-related activities has inevitably been viewed by some observers through a political lens.

Supporters can interpret the practice as a demonstration of preparedness and personal responsibility. Critics, however, may question whether a prominent political leader should publicly highlight firearms training at a time when political competition is intensifying.

Training for Pastor Dorcas

Another important part of the story is Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.

Gachagua said he arranged for his wife to undergo basic self-defence training while they were in the United States. He connected the decision to what he described as challenging circumstances in Kenya.

Reports showed Pastor Dorcas participating in self-defence activities during the US tour. Gachagua described the training as part of his responsibility as a spouse and said he wanted her to have basic skills that could help her protect herself. 

The move generated discussion because Pastor Dorcas is herself a public figure. As a former Second Lady, she has maintained a public presence through her religious and social activities.

Gachagua's decision to highlight her training also reinforced his broader message that personal preparedness should not be limited to political leaders but can extend to members of their families.

Gachagua's political allies joined the practice

Gachagua also said that Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as MejjaDonk, joined him during the practice.

According to Gachagua, their participation strengthened what he described as his team and helped prepare them for possible eventualities during what he considers challenging times. 

The presence of politicians made the episode more politically significant. It was no longer simply a personal training exercise involving Gachagua and his family; it involved political allies who are part of his wider network.

That has encouraged further discussion about the relationship between political organising, security concerns and personal preparedness.

What the Boston gun-shop reference means

The reference to a gun shop or firearms centre in Boston should be distinguished from claims that Gachagua acquired or purchased a firearm there. Available reporting establishes that Gachagua undertook firearms practice in the United States, but that does not by itself establish that he purchased a particular weapon during his Boston visit.

This distinction is important when reporting on the issue. A visit to a firearms establishment, shooting range or training centre does not automatically mean that a person bought a firearm.

For example, Boston Gun & Rifle describes itself as a civilian and law-enforcement firearms range in Boston and offers public range sessions, licensing classes and training. Its location is listed as 7 Faulkner Street, Boston, Massachusetts. 

The facility also states that its marksmanship programme focuses on developing safe and consistent shooting habits. 

Consequently, any claim that Gachagua purchased a particular firearm at a Boston gun shop would require separate confirmation.

Why the story has attracted Kenyans' attention

Gachagua's firearms practice has attracted attention partly because of his political status and partly because of his own explanation of why he resumed the activity.

He has repeatedly connected his preparation to what he regards as difficult conditions in Kenya. His remarks have therefore become part of a broader discussion about security and political tensions.

The former Deputy President's supporters may see his approach as demonstrating caution and preparedness. They may argue that leaders should be capable of protecting themselves and their families.

Others may see the public display of firearms training as potentially worrying, particularly when it involves a politician actively building a political movement.

The contrasting interpretations demonstrate the sensitivity surrounding firearms when they become part of political communication.

Preparedness versus political symbolism

There is also a wider question about the meaning of preparedness.

For Gachagua, the practice appears to have been presented primarily as personal preparedness and the refreshing of old skills. He has emphasised that the training dates back to his earlier career.

However, because he is now an active political figure, the public naturally interprets his actions within the political environment.

His statement that the exercise made his team stronger and better prepared for possible eventualities added another layer to the discussion. 

The important point is that there is a difference between lawful, supervised firearms training and using firearms as a political instrument. Responsible firearms training requires adherence to applicable laws and strict safety procedures.

The 2027 political backdrop

Gachagua's US tour is taking place as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election. Political alliances are being formed and reformed, while leaders are seeking support across different regions and among Kenyans living abroad.

His Boston engagements therefore have significance beyond the firearms story.

Meeting diaspora communities gives Gachagua an opportunity to explain his political position, discuss Kenya's challenges and seek support for his wider agenda. His firearms-related remarks add another dimension to that message, especially because he has associated personal security with the difficult political environment he says Kenya is experiencing.