DCI Confirms Investigation into Gachagua Over Ksh500 Million Claims

DCI Confirms Investigation into Gachagua Over Ksh500 Million Claims

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed it has launched investigations into remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following explosive allegations linking top government officials to a Ksh500 million scandal.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 5, the investigative agency dismissed the claims as baseless and warned that legal action could be taken if the statements are found to violate the law. The remarks in question were made earlier in the day during an Easter Sunday service at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

According to the DCI, Gachagua’s statements not only misrepresented ongoing investigations but also risked eroding public trust in key national institutions tasked with law enforcement.

“The allegations levelled against the DCI in the course of Rigathi Gachagua’s speech are false, unfounded, and malicious,” the agency stated, firmly rejecting the claims. “The claims he made concerning recoveries and exhibits in regard to the ongoing probe lack any factual or evidentiary basis and are clearly intended to undermine public confidence in a key national law-enforcement institution.”

During his address, Gachagua had alleged that investigators recovered Ksh500 million from the residence of senior government officials recently arrested in connection with a fuel procurement scandal. He further claimed that the money, believed to be proceeds from the alleged deal involving substandard fuel, was subsequently handed over to President William Ruto.

The DCI, however, categorically denied these assertions, reiterating that all investigations are being conducted professionally and within the confines of the law. The agency further revealed that it is scrutinising the full content of Gachagua’s speech, including remarks delivered in vernacular, to determine whether they may constitute criminal offences.

“We are assessing whether any of these statements may constitute offences under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, or any other relevant provisions of the Penal Code, including those relating to hate speech, ethnic contempt, and incitement,” the statement added.

The developments come against the backdrop of a widening investigation into an alleged multi-billion-shilling fuel scandal that has already seen several high-ranking officials arrested and subsequently resign from their positions.

Those implicated include Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo. The officials are accused of manipulating fuel stock data to create the impression of an impending shortage, thereby justifying the emergency procurement of fuel outside established government-to-government agreements.

Authorities allege that the consignment in question, valued at approximately Ksh4 billion, was procured at inflated prices and failed to meet required quality standards, raising concerns about both financial loss and consumer safety.

While Gachagua’s remarks have added a new dimension to the unfolding saga, the DCI has maintained that investigations will be guided strictly by evidence and due process, cautioning public figures against making statements that could interfere with ongoing probes.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has also weighed in on the broader issue, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling corruption and dismantling cartels within critical sectors of the economy.

“There is no room for side deals in this government. We will deal firmly with anyone attempting to exploit public resources for personal gain,” the President said during a separate church service in Kilgoris on the same day.

As investigations continue, attention now shifts to whether the DCI will pursue formal charges against Gachagua over his remarks, even as the fuel scandal itself remains under intense scrutiny.

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DCI Confirms Investigation into Gachagua Over Ksh500 Million Claims