Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a review into statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an Easter Sunday church service, citing possible hate speech, ethnic contempt, and incitement.
In a statement issued Sunday, the agency indicated that appropriate legal action would be taken if Gachagua’s remarks are found to violate the law.
While addressing congregants at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Kiambu County, Gachagua alleged that Sh500 million recovered from the homes of senior officials in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum had been diverted to President William Ruto. He further claimed that the arrests of the officials were part of a broader internal power struggle linked to fuel pricing manipulation and financial misconduct.
According to Gachagua, the money believed to be proceeds of corruption was initially documented by police as evidence pending investigation. However, he alleged that the President intervened, ordering the resignation of the officials and the transfer of the funds to himself, thereby compromising the integrity of the investigation.
He also questioned why the funds were not handled through the Asset Recovery Agency, raising concerns about procedural transparency.
The DCI has strongly dismissed these allegations, maintaining that all evidence in the case is being managed in strict accordance with legal procedures and internal regulations. The agency accused Gachagua of misrepresenting investigative processes and potentially eroding public trust.
Detectives confirmed that both his English and Gikuyu-language remarks are under scrutiny to determine whether they meet the legal threshold for incitement.
“The DCI will take decisive action if any laws were breached, regardless of an individual’s status,” the agency stated.
The controversy comes in the wake of high-profile arrests and resignations within the energy sector, including Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo. The trio is under investigation for allegedly falsifying fuel reserve data to justify emergency procurement, resulting in questionable expenditures.
Gachagua, who initially defended the officials, later shifted his stance, describing the situation as a business rivalry involving senior political figures. He further alleged that President Ruto has benefited from oil-related deals through companies he linked to him, including Gulf Energy and Stabex International.
However, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi refuted part of those claims, clarifying that Stabex International was not among the companies authorized by international oil firms to import fuel into Kenya.
