Government Rejects Gachagua’s Claim That Senior Officials Benefited from Minnesota Fraud

The government has rejected allegations by Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua that senior officials benefited from funds linked to the Minnesota fraud case, and has criticised his call for United States intervention.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the claims, made by Gachagua during a church service in Kiambu County, were politically driven and lacked credibility. He noted that Gachagua had previously worked closely with President William Ruto, and questioned the motive behind raising the allegations at this stage.

Kinyanjui also condemned Gachagua’s appeal to the US to intervene in the matter, saying domestic political disputes should not be turned into foreign policy issues. He warned that such statements could harm Kenya’s international relations and undermine the country’s standing abroad.

The Cabinet Secretary was speaking while officiating at the COMESA–EU Horticulture Connect Seminar in Nairobi. He stressed the need to protect Kenya’s reputation in international engagements, adding that although fraud investigations do not fall under his ministry, linking political disagreements to global affairs was irresponsible.

Gachagua has maintained his position, alleging that some of the disputed funds, which he said were meant to support people living with disabilities, were diverted to finance political campaigns and to build a shopping mall in Eastleigh. He claimed the mall is connected to a business associate of the President.

He further called on US President Donald Trump to bypass court processes and fast-track the extradition of suspects linked to the alleged fraud. In his remarks, Gachagua urged direct action by the US authorities, drawing comparisons with the handling of international cases involving foreign leaders.