"We Have God Our Father": Ruto Reacts to MP Rigathi Gachagua’s Arrest

Deputy President William Ruto has reacted to the arrest of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua, a close ally of Ruto, was picked from his Nyeri home at around 6:00 am on Friday by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The first-time MP was reportedly arrested in connection with an alleged Sh12.5 billion scandal and was driven to DCI headquarters in Nairobi.

Ruto, through Twitter on Friday evening, termed Gachagua’s arrest as politically instigated.

“My bro Gachagua, I know you are strong because we knew these politically instigated trumpet up charges were coming. This persecution on account of our friendship and political beliefs will come to an end. They have connections, networks, pedigree & godfathers BUT we have GOD our farther,” Ruto tweeted.

Detectives have been investigating the source of Sh12.5 billion wired into Gachagua’s bank accounts between 2013 and 2020.

He is alleged to have used proxies to fraudulently win tenders in various county government, State agencies, and ministries through 22 companies, with him as the sole beneficiary. Gachagua is said to have received the funds through three accounts in Rafiki Micro Finance Bank. 

The funds were received from the Ministry of Lands (Kenya Informal Settlements Program), State Department for Special Planning, Ministry of Health, Bungoma County government, Mathira Constituency Development Fund, Nyeri County government, and the National Irrigation Board and are suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Gachagua is being held at Gigiri police station pending arraignment on Monday.