Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vehemently denied the allegations of acquiring Sh5.2 billion since his appointment to the office.
He termed the claims as “outlandish” at a press briefing late Monday. Gachagua said the properties in question largely belonged to his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua.
He clarified that he is the executor of his brother’s estate, which includes a number of key assets.
“Mutuse alleges in the National Assembly that Gachagua acquired these properties after becoming Deputy President in 2022,” he said. “But they were acquired before my brother’s death. It’s the most embarrassing allegation a Member of Parliament can table.”
Gachagua said that he would go to Parliament and clear his name of the accusations.
“I ask for forgiveness from my late brother for having to disclose your will publicly to defend myself,” an emotional Gachagua added.
He condemned Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse for insinuating that the properties were acquired through corruption.
“Those properties were running when my brother was alive,” Gachagua said. He cited the example of Olive Garden Hotel, which he said was sold at Sh412 million and he got Sh20 million. He insisted Queen’s Gate service apartments are his brother’s estate.
“How unfair and cruel is it to attack a dead person?” Gachagua lamented. He said the sentimental holiday home, Vipingo Beach Resort, has not been sold. “This is the viciousness we are fighting against,” he said. “How cruel and insensitive can we be?”
Last week’s impeachment motion accused Gachagua of using his family and associates to amass wealth.
Mutuse said Gachagua and proxies, lauder money and peddle influence. “The value of the property and wealth that Gachagua has acquired over the last two years is incompatible with his known legitimate income,” the motion says.
