Wantam Chants Rent Air As Gachagua Graces Ngemi Festival in Seattle, USA

Former Deputy President energizes Kenyan diaspora with signature rallying cry at inaugural cultural event

SEATTLE, USA – The verdant valleys of Washington State echoed with defiant chants of “wantam” as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua brought his trademark political energy to the inaugural Ngemi Cia Ruraya cultural festival in Seattle over the weekend.

Addressing a vibrant gathering of Kenyan diaspora members at Saghalie Park, Gachagua’s familiar call-and-response routine drew thunderous applause when he asked, “Hapa America mnasemaje?”

The crowd’s resounding “wantam!” response underscored the enduring appeal of his anti-establishment message, even thousands of miles from home.

The festival, which marked its first edition outside Kenya, transformed into an unlikely political platform as Gachagua shared the stage with People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.

Both leaders seized the opportunity to launch scathing attacks on President William Ruto’s administration, with Karua pointedly asking, “How many more must die so that Ruto finishes one term?”

Accompanied by his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Gachagua appeared in high spirits, dancing and mingling with attendees who had traveled from across the United States to celebrate their Gikuyu heritage.

The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of festival-goers waving phone flashlights in unison while recording performances on a lavishly decorated stage.

The cultural dimension wasn’t lost amid the political theatrics.

Mugithi sensation Samidoh and popular Kameme FM presenter Muthoni Wa Kirumba, known as Baby Top, delivered electrifying performances that had the crowd dancing and singing along to familiar tunes that bridged the gap between homeland and diaspora.

Since its founding last year, the Ngemi Festival has grown into a significant cultural celebration within Kenya, offering an immersive experience of music, art, storytelling, and traditional cuisine.

The Seattle edition represented a bold expansion of this cultural mission, creating a space where diaspora communities could reconnect with their roots while engaging with contemporary political discourse.

Gachagua’s presence added considerable weight to the event, drawing attendees from multiple states eager to hear from the controversial political figure who has positioned himself as a leading voice of opposition to the current administration.

His ongoing US tour, which began Wednesday night, includes planned stops in Dallas, California, Boston, and Baltimore, where he will conduct town hall meetings and attend social events.

The warm reception he received upon arrival, complete with chants, songs, and dance, reflects the complex relationship between Kenya’s political landscape and its diaspora communities.

“The love and support I received is unmatched,” Gachagua noted, highlighting the enthusiastic welcome from supporters abroad.

The festival’s success in combining cultural celebration with political engagement demonstrates the evolving nature of diaspora events, where traditional heritage preservation increasingly intersects with contemporary political activism.

As attendees departed with memories of both cultural performances and political rallying cries, the Seattle edition of Ngemi Cia Ruraya established itself as more than just a cultural festival—it became a platform for political expression and community mobilization.

For the Kenyan diaspora in the Pacific Northwest, the event offered a rare opportunity to engage directly with prominent political figures while celebrating their cultural identity, creating lasting connections that extend far beyond the festival grounds.

Watch the video below.