Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly challenged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him, escalating a growing standoff over claims tied to a Sh500 million exhibit in an ongoing fuel procurement investigation.
Speaking shortly after the DCI issued a statement dismissing his allegations, Gachagua insisted he would not be intimidated and stood firmly by his remarks.
“I spoke at Gakoe and explained the issues surrounding the conflict and how a Sh500 million exhibit was stolen,” he said.
“Now I see the DCI writing statements to intimidate me. Let me tell you, if you want to arrest me, come and arrest me and see what will follow.”
Gachagua further accused the agency of targeting him instead of pursuing individuals he claims attacked him and his supporters during recent public events.
“Before you threaten me with arrest, I want those who attacked us in Limuru during a funeral, after allegedly being sent, to be arrested and taken to court,” he said.
He also alleged that his supporters had been assaulted in areas including Mwiki, Kariobangi and Witima, demanding that authorities take action against those responsible before focusing on him.
“Do not intimidate us. We have the right to freedom of expression to defend Kenyans,” he added.
The remarks follow claims Gachagua made during an Easter Sunday service at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, where he alleged irregularities in the handling of exhibits linked to a probe into suspected fuel procurement deals involving the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
In response, the DCI dismissed the allegations as “false, unfounded and malicious,” stating they lacked any factual or evidentiary basis and appeared aimed at undermining public confidence in the institution.
The agency maintained that all evidence and exhibits connected to the investigation are being handled professionally and in strict accordance with the law and internal procedures.
It also revealed that it is reviewing Gachagua’s full remarks—particularly those delivered in Gikuyu—to determine whether they could constitute offences under the National Cohesion and Integration Act or other provisions of the Penal Code, including hate speech or incitement.
“The DCI will not hesitate to take appropriate action where the law has been broken, irrespective of the status or position of any individual,” the agency said.
Despite the warning, Gachagua signalled he is far from backing down, hinting that he has additional information yet to reveal.
“If money is stolen, I will speak about it. I have not said everything yet, I am still preparing more,” he said.
