‘I Am No Stranger to Wealth’: DP Gachagua Defends Ksh 7B Net Worth Against Fraud Claims
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out to firmly defend himself against mounting allegations that his net worth has ballooned into billions since taking office in 2022. During a media interview on Monday evening, Gachagua took the opportunity to respond to a 40-page impeachment motion that is set to be tabled against him on Tuesday, October 1, claiming that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated.
The DP, who has recently faced intense scrutiny, expressed his frustration with claims that he amassed Ksh 5.7 billion in assets after assuming his role as President William Ruto’s deputy. He dismissed the allegations, insisting that he has always been a man of means, and his wealth has long been public knowledge.
“Kenyans know very well that when I took office, I was not poor,” Gachagua remarked. “My wealth has always been documented in public. In 2019, I was worth Ksh 12 billion. In 2022, I had Ksh 7 billion to my name.”
Among the properties named in the impeachment motion are the luxurious Tree Tops Hotel, Outspan Hotel from Aberdare Safari Hotels, Olive Gardens Hotel, and Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi County. The motion alleges that Gachagua acquired these properties through close family ties, including his sons, Kevin Rigathi Gachagua and Keith Ikinu Rigathi.
In a stern rebuttal, Gachagua refuted the allegations of using his political position to enrich himself and his family. He explained that he has been a businessman for years and that his wealth is the result of legitimate investments made before entering government service.
“I am not involved in corruption. I have always been in business even before I became a government official,” Gachagua stated. “My sons have never worked with the government as I have always told them to invest in the private sector. If there is anyone who has evidence of any business dealings, they can come forward.”
He further clarified the allegations regarding Tree Tops Hotel, explaining that the hotel was leased from the Kenya Wildlife Service and is not his personal property, as stated in the motion document. Gachagua also emphasized that his children took out substantial loans to fund their business ventures, underlining that their success was not tied to any government influence.
As the country waits for the impeachment motion to be tabled on Tuesday, Gachagua remains confident that the truth will ultimately surface, promising to fight back against what he perceives as politically driven accusations.
“You will be shocked. Let’s wait and see (whether the impeachment happens). I hear the motion is tomorrow,” he concluded with unwavering resolve.
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I Am No Stranger to Wealth’: DP Gachagua Defends Ksh 7B Net Worth Against Fraud Claims
