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.

The post Rigathi Gachagua Challenges DCI Over Fuel Scandal Remarks appeared first on newskenya.

What does Millicent Omanga’s recent defection to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) signify for her political career and the broader political landscape in Kenya? On March 19, 2026, Omanga officially left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join DCP, where she aims to run for the Nairobi County Woman Representative seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

Omanga’s move comes after a disappointing performance in her previous bid for the same seat under the UDA banner, where she lost. Her defection is seen as part of a larger trend of political realignments in Kenya as parties prepare for the next elections. Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of DCP, welcomed her at the party headquarters in Nairobi, emphasizing the party’s ambition to become the majority in both the National Assembly and Senate.

During her announcement, Omanga expressed her disillusionment with President William Ruto, accusing him of breaking promises made during the last election. “I am asking for your forgiveness for thinking that the UDA wheelbarrow was going somewhere, but I was wrong. He lied to all of us,” she stated, highlighting her shift in allegiance as a response to unmet expectations.

Gachagua also criticized Ruto, asserting that the president has focused more on personal attacks rather than addressing key national issues. He reinforced DCP’s vision as a growing national party, stating, “We welcome everyone. This is a party of the future. This is a national party.” This sentiment reflects DCP’s strategy to attract a diverse membership base ahead of the elections.

Omanga’s enrollment in DCP has been framed as a significant boost for the party in Nairobi County. Cleophas Malalah, DCP’s Deputy Party Leader, noted that her presence would enhance the party’s support in the region. This is particularly relevant as DCP seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to the UDA, which has been criticized for its internal divisions and leadership challenges.

Reflecting on her past support for Ruto, Omanga remarked, “He rode on women to gain their votes through false promises,” indicating a shift in her political narrative as she seeks to align herself with a party that resonates more with her current views and the aspirations of her constituents.

As the political landscape continues to evolve in Kenya, Omanga’s defection is a notable development that could influence voter sentiment in Nairobi. With the 2027 elections approaching, the implications of her move remain to be fully seen, as political dynamics shift and new alliances form. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of this defection on UDA’s standing in the region and how DCP will capitalize on this momentum.

The post Millicent Omanga Defects to DCP Ahead of 2027 Elections appeared first on newskenya.