Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua makes bold claims linking alleged foreign money laundering to Kenya’s 2022 elections, urges Donald Trump to act, dismisses UDA opinion polls, and criticizes President Ruto’s drug war. Full in-depth analysis.
Rigathi Gachagua Sparks Political Storm with Global and Local Accusations
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again thrust himself into the national spotlight after making far-reaching political claims that have stirred debate both locally and internationally. Speaking during a church service in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Gachagua issued a dramatic call to former US President Donald Trump, urging him to fast-track investigations into alleged fraud and money laundering linked to Minnesota, which he claimed had implications for Kenya’s 2022 general election.
According to Gachagua, some of the allegedly looted funds were funneled into political campaigns during the last election cycle. Although he did not present evidence to support the claims, the remarks have ignited widespread discussion, particularly due to their international dimension and political timing.
Call for a “Venezuela-Style Operation” in Kenya
In one of his most controversial statements, Gachagua urged the United States to adopt a hardline approach similar to its operations against alleged financial crimes in Venezuela. He argued that individuals implicated in money laundering should face swift and decisive action, regardless of their political stature or geographic location.
This rhetoric has divided opinion, with supporters viewing it as a bold stand against corruption, while critics argue it risks inflaming political tensions and undermining Kenya’s sovereignty. Nonetheless, the remarks reinforce Gachagua’s emerging image as a confrontational political figure willing to challenge both domestic and international power structures.
Dismissing UDA Popularity Polls as “Computer-Generated”
Gachagua also took aim at recent opinion polls that ranked the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as the most popular party in Kenya. He dismissed the surveys outright, claiming they were fabricated and digitally manipulated to mislead the public.
Labeling them as “fake opinion polls generated on computers,” Gachagua urged Kenyans to ignore such data, arguing that the real political mood on the ground tells a different story. His comments resonate with growing public skepticism over polling credibility, especially in a politically polarized environment.
Criticism of Ruto’s War on Drugs and Alcohol
The former Deputy President further criticized President William Ruto’s renewed campaign against drug and alcohol abuse, describing it as ironic and politically insincere. Gachagua claimed that similar initiatives he spearheaded while serving as Deputy President were deliberately undermined by the same administration now championing the cause.
He accused the government of selectively weaponizing social issues for political mileage rather than pursuing genuine, long-term solutions. This critique positions Gachagua as a defender of consistency in governance, while portraying the current leadership as opportunistic.
Political Implications and the Road Ahead
Gachagua’s remarks signal a widening rift within Kenya’s political elite and suggest a strategic repositioning ahead of future electoral contests. By linking local politics to global financial investigations, questioning institutional credibility, and attacking flagship government programs, he is carving out a populist narrative centered on accountability and betrayal.
Whether these claims will translate into tangible political capital remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Rigathi Gachagua is no longer playing a background role in Kenyan politics. His statements have ensured that he remains a central figure in national discourse, capable of shaping narratives and provoking debate.