NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him, hours after the agency dismissed his allegations regarding a Sh500 million exhibit in an ongoing fuel procurement investigation.
The confrontation, escalating on Sunday, April 5, pits Kenya’s former second-in-command against a key law enforcement agency he accuses of intimidation and selective prosecution.
“Come and Arrest Me”
Speaking after the DCI rejected his claims, Gachagua said he would not be silenced and stands ready to face legal consequences if authorities deem his remarks criminal.
“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 framed the DCI response as a deflection from his core accusation: that evidence in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum fuel cargo probe had been misappropriated.
Counter-Demands
The former deputy president demanded the agency prioritise investigations into alleged attacks against him and his supporters before targeting his statements.
“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 cited assaults on supporters in Mwiki, Kariobangi, and Witima as unaddressed violent crimes. “Do not intimidate us. We have the right to freedom of expression to defend Kenyans,” he added.
DCI Rebuttal
The agency had earlier dismissed Gachagua’s Easter Sunday allegations—delivered at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County—as “false, unfounded and malicious.”
“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,” the agency stated.
The DCI affirmed that all evidence and exhibits are handled “professionally and in accordance with the law and internal procedures.”
Legal Review Underway
The agency disclosed it is reviewing Gachagua’s full remarks, particularly those delivered in Gikuyu, to assess potential violations of the National Cohesion and Integration Act or Penal Code provisions on hate speech and 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 statement read.
Further Revelations Threatened
Gachagua indicated he retains undisclosed information, escalating the confrontation.
“If money is stolen, I will speak about it. I have not said everything yet; I am still preparing more,” he said.