Ichung’wah accuses Gachagua of trying to extort Sh300 million from Chinese firm
Ichung’wah accuses Gachagua of trying to extort Sh300 million from Chinese firm
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to extort Sh300 million from a Chinese construction company during his tenure in government.
Ichung’wah alleged that Gachagua sought the money from China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) over alleged transgressions committed during the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Majority Leader claimed CRBC, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, rejected the alleged demand.
“Rigathi’s bitterness with China Roads and Bridges Corporation exposes his insatiable greed,” Ichung’wah said, accusing the former Deputy President of hypocrisy in his criticism of corruption within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The allegations formed part of a lengthy response by Ichung’wah to remarks made by Gachagua earlier in the day, in which the former Deputy President criticised the government and raised concerns over security, public debt, corruption and other national issues.
Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s allegations as politically motivated, accusing him of attempting to undermine government institutions and security agencies.
He also revisited the circumstances surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment as Deputy President, accusing him of violating the Constitution, undermining institutions and disregarding the rule of law.
Gachagua was impeached by Parliament in 2024, although he has consistently disputed the accusations levelled against him.
Ichung’wah further accused Gachagua of having attempted to influence the coffee sector for personal gain while serving as Deputy President.
He alleged that Gachagua had demanded Sh3 for every kilogramme of coffee sold by farmers through the coffee exchange, claiming the money was now benefiting farmers.
The Majority Leader also rejected Gachagua’s criticism of the government’s security record, accusing him of making unsubstantiated allegations against security agencies and officers.
He cited Gachagua’s repeated claims regarding the alleged theft of firearms from Kikuyu Police Station, arguing that the weapons were stolen during demonstrations he claimed were organised by the former Deputy President.
Ichung’wah also accused Gachagua of mobilising members of outlawed groups to provide security during political rallies, churches and polling stations, describing the alleged conduct as “goonism.”
The former Deputy President has previously made various allegations concerning the government’s handling of security matters, which have been disputed by government officials.
On the economy, Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s criticism of Kenya’s public debt and economic management, arguing that the former Deputy President lacked the economic expertise to criticise the government’s policies.
He said Kenya’s economy was now growing at about five per cent and claimed the International Monetary Fund ranks Kenya as the sixth-largest economy in Africa.
Ichung’wah also defended the government-to-government fuel supply arrangement, rejecting Gachagua’s description of the programme as fraudulent.
He said the arrangement had helped Kenya maintain a steady fuel supply and was being considered by other countries in the region.
On compensation for victims of protests and riots, Ichung’wah said the government had established a reparations framework and had processed hundreds of claims.
According to the Majority Leader, the compensation panel had processed 680 claims and paid more than Sh674.1 million to 505 verified victims, while 472 eligible claimants had their compensation delayed because of insufficient supporting documentation.
Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of using the issue to revive his political fortunes and gain attention.
The former Deputy President has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration since his removal from office.
Ichung’wah’s claims, including the allegation that Gachagua attempted to obtain Sh300 million from CRBC, had not been independently substantiated in the statement.
Gachagua has yet to publicly respond to the specific Sh300 million allegation.