UK Embassy Denies Viral Letter Claiming Gachagua Meeting with PM Was Rejected
The British High Commission in Nairobi has dismissed as fake a letter circulating widely on social media, which purportedly declined a request by Kenya’s former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to meet with the UK Prime Minister’s Office.
In a statement released on Friday, May 22, the mission categorically rejected the authenticity of the document, which allegedly originated from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and contained commentary on Kenya’s domestic politics ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“The British High Commission in Nairobi confirms that this letter circulating on social media is fake. If it were real, it would probably be stained with spilt tea,” the statement said, adding a touch of dry humour typical of British diplomacy.
The fraudulent letter claimed that the proposed meeting was politically motivated rather than linked to consular or bilateral matters. It reportedly emphasised that the UK does not involve itself in the domestic electoral politics of sovereign nations.
“It has come to our attention that the principal purpose of the engagement being sought was not consular, humanitarian, or bilateral in character, but rather oriented towards the domestic political landscape of the Republic of Kenya, specifically, the positioning of your anticipated candidacy in the 2027 general elections,” the fake document allegedly stated.
“Having given the request full and careful consideration, I must inform you that the Prime Minister’s Office is not in a position to accommodate the requested meeting during the current visit,” it added.
UK officials have since confirmed that the letter is not genuine and should not be considered official correspondence. They did not, however, comment on whether Gachagua had in fact sent a formal request to meet the Prime Minister.
Gachagua is currently in the United Kingdom on a diaspora tour aimed at rallying support for his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) as he positions himself to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Speaking during his UK tour, Gachagua highlighted his vision for including diaspora representatives in Kenya’s political institutions, stating:
“I have said repeatedly that in our Senate, in our National Assembly, we must get some people nominated from the diaspora to come and represent your interest in the National Assembly and in the Senate.”
He added that counties where the DCP enjoys strong support would prioritise nominating diaspora representatives to county assemblies to strengthen devolution and ensure the enactment of effective local legislation.
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