Diaspora Truth: We Live Tribal, Proudly, Because Our Tribes Are Our Homes Abroad – Sudi, Stop Mistaking Community for Division and Leave Gachagua to Mind Kenya’s Real Problems

The most disturbing aspect is watching Kenyan leaders like Oscar Sudi travel abroad, from Kenya to other destinations, and still issue statements urging Kenyans to keep Gachagua in America longer—supposedly because he could “cause harm” if he returns to Kenya. This is not just political theatre; it is an insult to our collective intelligence. Sudi, either out of ignorance or deliberate mischief, has even gone further to claim that there is “no tribalism” among Kenyans in America. On that point, he could not be more wrong.

Here in the United States, tribalism is alive and thriving—only it takes a different form. Each community operates openly and unapologetically, without interference from any government. Kikuyus have their own associations, Kalenjins have theirs, Kisii communities keep to their own, and Luos have their networks. Even some of our churches, which should be unifying spiritual spaces, are predominantly tribal. The same pattern is seen in WhatsApp groups, where Kalenjin-only, Luo-only, and Kikuyu-only forums exist without pretense. Parties and other festivities are also tribal, and no one notices or complains. Luos host gatherings exclusively for Luos, Kikuyus do the same, and in such events, the language spoken is usually each group’s mother tongue. But even then, Kenyans in the diaspora often join hands whenever one of their own needs help, offering assistance accordingly. Even when purchasing properties, people do not strictly adhere to tribal lines; instead, they buy from any group that has such initiatives. Therefore, diaspora tribalism exists mainly for convenience, and when it comes to unity on specific issues, they come together as one.

When Gachagua came to America, it was the Kikuyu community that invited him. That is neither unusual nor suspicious—it is the natural way diaspora communities organize themselves, anchored in cultural and linguistic familiarity. Gachagua has also met with other tribal groups here, demonstrating that—unlike in Kenya—these associations are not tools for political manipulation. Instead, they are the framework through which we preserve our identity, support one another, and mobilize during times of need.

Even in grief, when raising funds to send our loved ones home for burial, contributions are almost always organized along tribal lines. We do this willingly, without shame, because it works. Here, there is no State House operative, no County Commissioner, and no undercover police officer dictating how we meet or who we meet.

Oscar Sudi, you are wrong. And if I meet you, I will tell you to your face: here in America, we stay tribal, we associate with our people, and we are proud of it. This is not the false, toxic tribalism you exploit in Kenya—this is community.

Instead of trailing Gachagua across continents to lecture him on matters you clearly do not understand, you should focus on issues that truly matter to Kenyans: abductions, extra-judicial killings, and the systematic silencing of freedom of expression. And let this sink in—Gachagua is no longer part of the government. He was impeached. Leave him alone and focus on building Kenya, because your role is not to be a political attack dog; it is to serve the people.

Diaspora Tribal and Proud: Sudi, stop useless attacks on a person who was impeached, and Start Fixing Kenya.

By Arch. Dr. D.K. Gitau
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Diaspora Times

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Diaspora Times.