Kenyan political groups are increasingly turning their attention to citizens living abroad as they build support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Opposition-linked groups are using virtual meetings and international outreach to engage Kenyans in the diaspora, who are seen as important not only for their votes but also for their financial contributions, skills and influence.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement, led by Senator Edwin Sifuna, will on Saturday, August 22, hold a virtual town hall with Kenyans living abroad. The session is scheduled to begin at 5pm East African Time.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka announced the engagement on Friday, saying Kenyans abroad have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future.
He said their contribution goes beyond sending money home and includes professional expertise, innovation and access to international opportunities.
“This Saturday, Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team will engage Kenyans in the diaspora in a virtual conversation on the future of our country. Your voice matters, wherever you are. Let’s connect, listen and build a better Kenya together,” Wamboka said.
Linda Mwananchi is also planning to expand its political outreach beyond traditional county-to-county rallies after its planned rally in Meru on August 30.
The movement says it will increasingly use university engagements and town hall meetings to speak directly to Kenyans and present its agenda ahead of the August 10, 2027 election.
The growing focus on the diaspora comes as opposition leaders seek to build wider support ahead of the elections.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also been reaching out to Kenyans living abroad as part of his political strategy.
Gachagua is expected to visit the United States following his recent engagement with Kenyans in the United Kingdom, where he sought support for his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
During his UK tour, Gachagua also appealed to Kenyans in the diaspora to help raise funds for the party, saying the money would support party operations and the nomination of candidates ahead of next year’s political contests.
He has also proposed giving Kenyans living abroad a bigger role in government if his political camp wins the 2027 election.
Among his proposals is to reserve nomination positions for diaspora representatives in the National Assembly, Senate and county assemblies.
Gachagua has also proposed involving Kenyans abroad more directly in government affairs and appointing members of the diaspora to manage some Kenyan embassies, arguing that they better understand the challenges facing citizens living outside the country.
The growing political attention on the diaspora is also linked to the rising number of Kenyans registered to vote abroad.
In the 2022 General Election, 10,444 Kenyans living abroad were registered as voters, up from 4,223 in 2017.
However, diaspora voters are currently allowed to vote only in the presidential election. They cannot vote for governors, senators, National Assembly members or members of county assemblies.
Voting for Kenyans abroad is currently available in 12 countries: Burundi, Canada, Germany, Qatar, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States.
With the 2027 presidential contest expected to attract intense competition, the diaspora is emerging as a potentially important constituency for political parties and movements.
Beyond voting, Kenyans abroad are also being viewed as a source of campaign financing, professional expertise and international networks.
The increased outreach suggests that political leaders are likely to intensify their engagement with the diaspora as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
