Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied any wrongdoing regarding the 11 charges against him in the ongoing impeachment process.
In a pointed address, Gachagua accused his boss, President William Ruto, of orchestrating his downfall, asserting that no evidence had been presented to implicate him.
Displaying a defiant attitude, Gachagua claimed he was being targeted for refusing to participate in ‘illegal activities.’
During a televised address on Monday night and in discussions with MPs on Tuesday, he emphatically denied accusations of amassing a vast empire in just two years.
He refuted claims of owning Olive Garden Hotel, stating it belongs to the estate of his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, and was sold as per his brother’s will. “It has never been my property,” he clarified.
Gachagua also denied ownership of Vipingo Beach Resort and Queens Gate Apartments, asserting that these are part of his brother’s estate and that he serves as a director due to his role as executor.
He rejected allegations of owning a helicopter landing facility, various parcels of land mentioned in the motion, and a dairy farm in Nyandarua. Gachagua argued that he is not tribal, contending that other parties in the Kenya Kwanza coalition also negotiated for government shares.
As he addressed MPs, some expressed dissatisfaction with his comments during the Monday press conference. Tiaty MP William Kamket urged the DP to respect MPs, while Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cautioned Gachagua against discussing matters before the House, which he deemed as preempting debate.
Gachagua stated that, as a former MP, he would not belittle any member or the assembly itself.
He claimed that there were no illegalities linked to the 22 companies mentioned by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who alleged that Gachagua used these companies to launder money and conceal corrupt activities.
“I have thoroughly reviewed the motion and found no evidence supporting the allegations,” Gachagua said.
He further denied using his office to create fraudulent documents related to court filings and tenders, specifically in the Kemsa case. He explained that Crystal Kenya Ltd, associated with him, acted as the local agent for Indian firm Shobikaa Impex Private Limited.
Gachagua countered claims from former Kemsa CEO Andrew Mulwa that he coerced him into releasing a bid bond, stating he never contacted Mulwa or any procurement officer regarding the tender.
Additionally, he denied any connection to the company that renovated his residences in Karen and Mombasa, claiming ignorance of the firm’s directors and involvement in the procurement process. He rejected allegations of acquiring Sh100 million through Lusona Events Ltd, stating he was not part of the tender process.
Gachagua dismissed accusations of siphoning funds through a rehabilitation firm as “false and unfounded.” He mentioned that he had filed a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission regarding Judge Esther Maina’s conduct, denying any threats against her.
On the issue of diverting materials for the Kilifi-Malindi highway to pave a private road to Vipingo Beach Resort, he clarified that the upgrade was necessary for King Charles III’s visit, benefiting local schools, a mosque, and a market.
Regarding claims of undermining the Cabinet and the President, Gachagua stated he urged the government to uphold the law and fulfill campaign promises for humane evictions. He maintained that his concerns about the Sh10,000 compensation for evictees did not undermine the President.
He denied urging Nairobi traders to defy the county government, asserting he only encouraged the Johnson Sakaja administration to engage with them. In response to criticism of National Intelligence Service director general Noordin Haji, Gachagua argued that accountability is essential for government agencies.
“Under the constitution, government agencies must be accountable to Kenyans, including the NIS. Criticizing them for dereliction of duty is not undermining them,” he stated, adding that both he and President Ruto have similarly called out ineffective state agencies.
Lastly, Gachagua denied collaborating with cartels to impede returns to small-scale tea and coffee farmers and asserted he did not take over a local cooperative in Mathira.
