The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has addressed a post circulating on social media claiming that investigations are underway regarding the wealth of former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement, the DPP dismissed the post labeling it as fake hours after a section of Facebook users circulated.
The misleading letter, dated December 16, claimed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had officially authorized an investigation into Gachagua’s wealth.
DPP Dismisses claims investigating Rigathi Gachagua’s wealth
It alleged that the decision was communicated in a letter dated December 14, 2024, addressed to the EACC and signed by the ODPP’s Deputy Director.
The letter purported that the investigation was prompted by a request from the EACC, which sought approval to probe allegations of unexplained wealth against Gachagua.
According to the ODPP, investigations had established that there were sufficient grounds to authorize further investigations under several legal provisions, including:
- Section 55 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003: This section permits the investigation of unexplained wealth where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the wealth is disproportionate to known legitimate sources of income.
- Article 75 of the Constitution on integrity standards for State Officers: This article mandates that state officers must not engage in activities that could lead to conflicts of interest or the abuse of office.
- Section 30 of the Public Officers Ethics Act, 2003: This section pertains to the declaration of income, assets, and liabilities by public officers, ensuring transparency in their financial dealings.
Also Read: Gachagua Reveals Huge Fight With Ruto that Led to His Impeachment
Furthermore, the fake letter highlighted specific concerns regarding Gachagua’s wealth, including:
- Substantial cash flows and transactions into accounts linked to Gachagua and his associates that are inconsistent with his declared income.
- Allegations of abuse of office to acquire real estate and other holdings.
- Suspicious transactions involving significant sums of money.
The qestion of Gachagua’s wealth sparked public debate during his impeachment hearing in the National Assembly and the Senate in October 2024.
Former DP denies allegations that he owns 22 properties
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who initiated the motion for impeachment in the National Assembly, claimed that Gachagua acquired 22 properties through a conflict of interest related to government businesses and used unexplained income to finance these purchases.
Mutuse pointed out that while Gachagua did not deny owning the properties, he claimed they were registered prior to his tenure as Deputy President. The properties mentioned include Treetops Hotel, Outspan Hotel, Olive Gardens Hotel, and Vipingo Beach Resort.
Also Read: More Woes for Gachagua as Millions Splashed Raise Alarm
In response, Gachagua firmly denied the allegations made by the Kibwezi West legislator, labeling the claims as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” intended to damage his reputation and remove him from office.
He asserted that his wealth and that of his family was acquired legitimately, emphasizing that a big chunk was amassed long before he entered politics.
Gachagua specifically noted that several properties cited in the impeachment motion belonged to his late brother, James Nderitu Gachagua, who passed away in 2017.
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