Key moments
On April 5, 2026, Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of Kenya, publicly challenged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him following his comments regarding an ongoing investigation into a fuel scandal. Gachagua’s remarks have drawn significant attention as they implicate high-ranking officials, including President William Ruto, in alleged corrupt practices related to imported oil.
During a speech in Gatundu North, Gachagua stated, “If you want to arrest me, come and see what will happen thereafter. Arrest Kasongo first.” His comments come amidst a backdrop of investigations where the DCI has recovered Ksh500 million from the homes of various officials linked to the fuel scandal, which reportedly involves the importation of substandard fuel valued at Ksh68 million.
Gachagua’s assertion that his arrest could lead to national unrest underscores the political tensions surrounding the investigation. He further claimed that the fuel scandal was a deal gone sour and that certain officials were being unfairly targeted. This statement has raised questions about the motivations behind the DCI’s actions and the broader implications for political stability in Kenya.
In response to Gachagua’s remarks, the DCI dismissed his allegations as “false and malicious.” A spokesperson for the DCI stated, “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.” This rebuttal highlights the ongoing conflict between Gachagua and the DCI, as well as the potential ramifications for law enforcement credibility.
Furthermore, the DCI is currently reviewing Gachagua’s speech for possible violations of hate speech and incitement laws. This scrutiny reflects the seriousness of the accusations and the potential legal consequences for Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a defender of political allies while challenging the integrity of law enforcement.
Gachagua also called for the arrest of Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, linking him to the theft of funds related to the scandal. He stated, “Before you question me on anything, you must arrest CS Aden Duale over the theft of SHA funds and arrest Kasongo for killing Gen Zs and arraign him in court.” These statements further complicate the political landscape, as they suggest a deepening rift among government officials.
The DCI’s investigation into the fuel scandal has already led to significant recoveries, with Ksh500 million seized from implicated officials. This recovery indicates the scale of the alleged corruption and the DCI’s commitment to addressing it, despite the political pushback from figures like Gachagua.
As the situation develops, the interplay between political rhetoric and law enforcement actions will be closely monitored. The DCI’s insistence on maintaining public confidence in its operations may be tested as Gachagua’s challenge continues to resonate within the political sphere. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential legal actions against Gachagua or further developments in the DCI’s investigation.
