DCI Officers Arrest MP Rigathi Gachagua Over Sh12.5 Billion Scam

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have arrested Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua was picked from his Nyeri home at around 6:00 am on Friday and driven to DCI headquarters in Nairobi.

Reports indicate the first-time MP was arrested in connection with an alleged Sh12.5 billion scandal, but Gachagua insists the arrest is politically motivated.

Gachagua claimed he was arrested for embarrassing the government in the recent Kiambaa by-election where the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), associated with Deputy President William Ruto, defeated the ruling Jubilee party.

“I want to tell the people of Mathira to ignore the rumors, their MP has not stolen anything, these are just baseless accusations to intimidate me for my political standing,” he said.

Detectives have been investigating the source of Sh12.5 billion wired into Gachagua’s bank accounts between 2013 and 2020.

He is alleged to have used proxies to fraudulently win tenders in various county government, State agencies, and ministries through 22 companies, with him as the sole beneficiary. Gachagua is said to have received the funds through three accounts in Rafiki Micro Finance Bank. 

The funds were received from the Ministry of Lands (Kenya Informal Settlements Program), State Department for Special Planning, Ministry of Health, Bungoma County government, Mathira Constituency Development Fund, Nyeri County government, and the National Irrigation Board and are suspected to be proceeds of crime.

But Gachagua dismissed these claims, saying he is a prudent businessman and that he legitimately amassed his wealth through a variety of ventures, including owning a candy factory and organizing discos in his youth.

“I have done legitimate businesses with the National Government and other people, when the matter comes up for mentioning next month, I will account for every cent I have made,” he said during an interview this week.