A video of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as Hemedti, has resurfaced.
The video, which was shared on social media has sparked controversy over alleged illicit gold trade dealings.
Moreover, the footage shows Gachagua warmly receiving Hemedti, and escorting him to his office. Gachagua can also be heard inviting the RSF leader to enjoy the wildlife in the country, shortly before giving him some gifts.
The video is raising questions about the former DP’s role in the controversial business arrangements he now accuses President William Ruto of benefiting from.
At the same time, Kenyans online have raised concerns over Gachagua’s allegations, saying that there could be truth to it because at the time of the meeting, he was an inside man in the government.
“This one here only means that Riggy G (Gachagua) knows what he is saying about Ruto and the RSF mineral business,” stated Conrad Kulo.
Also Read: Sudan to Ban Imports from Kenya as Tensions Escalate
Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Having Personal Dealings with RFS
Gachagua has accused the Head of State for personally profiting from an illicit gold trade involving Hemedti.
Speaking in an interview with KTN on Monday, February 24, the former DP alleged that Ruto’s meeting with Hemedti in 2023 was not in Kenya’s national interest but rather a covert business engagement for personal enrichment.
Further, Gachagua revealed that he was initially tasked with inviting the RSF leader to Kenya but was later locked out of the crucial discussions held at State House.
According to him, Ruto and Hemedti are allegedly involved in a lucrative gold trade, where the precious metal is sourced from Sudan, smuggled into Nairobi, and later transported to Dubai.
“If it had anything to do with Kenya, I would have sat through the meeting, but after they were done, I am the one who took him to the airport, and I inquired, and they are doing business,”
“They are doing gold business with RSF chief, which is taken from that area, brought to Nairobi then taken to Dubai,” said Gachagua.
Also Read: 4 Times Kenya Intervened to Solve Sudan’s Conflicts
Implications of the Dealings According to Gachagua
Gachagua argued that Ruto’s ties with the internationally sanctioned Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are tarnishing Kenya’s reputation and straining its diplomatic relations.
“This is putting Kenya in a very bad light. President Ruto must understand that he will not be in power forever. He cannot destroy this country and how we are perceived by other nations. He must be a nationalist, rise above personal and commercial interests, and put the country first,” Gachagua added.
Also, he revealed that because of Kenya’s relationship with RSF, Sudan’s government was considering stopping importing Kenyan tea.
However, Kenya has defended its recent decision to host RSF representatives in Nairobi on February 18.
During the event, the RSF announced the formation of a parallel government, a move that has sparked fears of further deepening the conflict in Sudan.
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 over disagreements regarding the integration of the RSF into the national army.
This came after the two forces had previously cooperated to oust civilian leaders who had shared power with them following the 2019 revolution that led to the downfall of former autocrat Omar al-Bashir.
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