Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mounted a vigorous defense against a series of corruption and misconduct allegations that have spurred a motion for his impeachment.
In a detailed full-page advertisement, Gachagua categorically refuted all charges, accusing his political opponents of fabricating claims. His rebuttal addressed accusations ranging from land ownership to public procurement, positioning himself as a victim of political vendetta.
Gachagua’s defense tackles each accusation head-on, providing what he claims are factual corrections supported by documentation and court rulings.
Alleged Ownership of Properties
One of the primary accusations Gachagua faces is his alleged ownership of multiple high-value properties, including the Olive Garden Hotel, Vipingo Beach Resort, and Queens Gate Serviced Apartments. In his rebuttal, Gachagua clarifies that these properties belonged to his late brother, Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua. “The Olive Garden Hotel was sold as per the instructions of my late brother’s will,” he wrote, adding that the ownership documents from the Business Registration Services confirm that these properties never belonged to him.
He also addressed claims concerning a land parcel in Mathira East Constituency, where it was alleged that he had constructed a helicopter landing facility. Gachagua stated that the land, approximately 2.5 acres in size, is used for agricultural purposes. “I have planted nappier grass for my dairy cows,” he explained, denying the existence of any helicopter landing pad.
Accusations of Public Procurement Misconduct
The Deputy President faces accusations of irregular involvement in public procurement, specifically surrounding a KES 3.78 billion tender for the procurement of mosquito nets through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). Gachagua denied any direct or proxy involvement in the tender process, stating that the matter involved Shobikaa Impex Private Limited, an Indian company that participated but was unsuccessful due to non-compliance with bid requirements. “Shobikaa Impex was invited by KEMSA to collect their bid bond, but they were not successful in the tendering process,” he clarified.
Further distancing himself from these allegations, Gachagua reiterated that he neither owns the companies involved nor had any role in the procurement or tendering processes, asserting that his accusers had failed to provide evidence to support their claims.
Denying Influence Over Construction Projects
The impeachment motion also accuses Gachagua of diverting materials meant for the construction of the Kilifi-Malindi Highway to build a private road leading to the Vipingo Beach Resort. Gachagua firmly denied this accusation, stating that the road in question was upgraded as part of preparations for King Charles III’s state visit to Kenya in October 2023. “The road to Kuruwitu Marine Conservancy, which shares a road with Vipingo Beach Resort, was upgraded for the benefit of the local community, including schools, mosques, and public markets in the vicinity,” he explained.
Accusations of Undermining the President and the Cabinet
A central charge in the impeachment motion is Gachagua’s alleged public opposition to Cabinet decisions, particularly those related to the evacuation of residents along the Nairobi River. In his defense, Gachagua reaffirmed his support for the Cabinet’s decision to proceed with the eviction but took issue with the compensation amount offered to displaced residents, which he said was “inadequate.” He argued that his call for “constitutional dictates and international norms” in the implementation of the eviction policy was not intended to undermine the President or the Cabinet but to ensure humane treatment of affected citizens.
Mismanagement Allegations
Another allegation relates to the Deputy President’s supposed interference with county governments and his incitement of citizens against lawful directives. Gachagua responded by stating that he merely acted as a mediator between the Nairobi County Government and market traders, who had approached him with grievances about market relocations. “I specifically requested the Governor of Nairobi to listen to the traders’ grievances, and I did not incite them to disobey any lawful directives,” he insisted.
Clarification on Personal Wealth
Gachagua took the opportunity to clarify his financial dealings and land holdings, noting that several properties linked to him were either acquired through loans or belonged to his brother’s estate. He specifically mentioned the land in Meru County, stating, “I own 29 acres, which I purchased through a loan granted by Solution Sacco Limited. The title is still held by the Sacco as security until I fully repay the loan”.
On the ownership of various properties, Gachagua explained that many of them had been inherited or transferred following his brother’s death, reiterating that he had never used his position as Deputy President to acquire wealth illicitly.
