Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly dared the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him, insisting he will not be silenced over his claims linking the ongoing fuel scandal to alleged business rivalries.
In a fiery response on Sunday, while addressing a roadside rally in Gatundu North, Gachagua said threats by the detectives were an attempt to intimidate him, vowing to reveal more details about the scandal.
“I spoke at Gakoe and said there were conflicts between William Ruto’s team and some of his associates who were arrested, and I also explained how the Sh500 million exhibit was stolen. Now I see the DCI sending threatening letters to scare Riggy G. Let me tell the DCI, if you want to come and arrest me, come and arrest me and then see what will follow here,” he said.
He maintained that his earlier statements alleging a business rivalry behind the fuel scandal were based on information he had received, including claims of missing exhibits.
In a defiant tone, Gachagua demanded that the DCI first act against individuals he accused of orchestrating attacks at various political and church events before summoning him.
He cited multiple incidents in Limuru, Mwiki, Kariobangi and Witima, where he and his supporters were allegedly assaulted, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Let me tell the DCI, before you try to scare me, if you want to arrest me, I want first those who attacked us in Limuru during a funeral to be arrested and taken to court. Before you ask me any question, those thugs who attacked us at the PCEA church in Mwiki, PCEA Kariobangi and the 12 officers who attacked us at Witima ACK church, arrest them and take them to court. No intimidation,” he said.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also accused the DCI of attempting to suppress his constitutional right to freedom of expression, promising to continue speaking out on matters affecting Kenyans.
“No intimidation. We have the right to freedom of expression to defend Kenyans,” he said.
He further warned that he would expose any wrongdoing, particularly related to corruption.
“If you steal money, I will announce it. And I haven’t yet spoken, I am still preparing,” he added, suggesting further revelations may soon follow.
Earlier, the DCI had dismissed Gachagua’s claims as “false, unfounded and malicious,” especially regarding the recovery and handling of exhibits in the fuel scandal probe.
The agency said Gachagua’s assertions were intended to undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
“The allegations levelled against the DCI… lack any factual or evidentiary basis and are clearly intended to undermine public confidence in a key national law enforcement institution,” reads the statement.
The agency said it is reviewing his statements to determine whether they may constitute offences under laws governing hate speech, incitement and national cohesion.
The confrontation between Gachagua and the DCI follows tension as investigations into alleged irregular fuel procurement by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum intensify.