Gachagua: I didn't mention BBS Mall in Minnesota fraud claims

By Newsflash Writer

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that he mentioned Eastleigh’s BBS Mall as a beneficiary of proceeds from an alleged Minnesota fraud scandal, saying his remarks were general and did not target any specific business or individual.

Speaking on Wednesday, January 7, at Kipipiri in Nyandarua County during the burial of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia’s father, Gachagua said he was being unfairly accused over comments he made earlier in the week.

He insisted that at no point did he single out BBS Mall or its owners in his statements.

“I did not mention any mall, nor did I mention the owner. I do not know him. Why are they [North Eastern MPs] afraid? The guilty ones are always afraid,” Gachagua said, responding to growing political backlash.

Response to MPs

Gachagua was reacting to calls by a section of MPs from the North Eastern region who have asked the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate him over remarks he made on Sunday at AIPCA Kiratina Church in Komothai Ward, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County.

During that address, Gachagua claimed that proceeds from an alleged fraud case in Minnesota, United States, had been siphoned into Kenya and used to bankroll political activities and finance major commercial investments linked to allies of President William Ruto. His remarks sparked controversy, with some leaders accusing him of veiled attacks on the Somali business community.

However, Gachagua denied claims that his statements were meant to incite Kenyans against any community, saying Somali Kenyans are legitimate citizens and respected investors. He maintained that his comments were aimed at exposing corruption and the alleged misuse of public funds, not targeting ethnic groups.

Fresh political salvo

Gachagua also urged Mt Kenya residents to reject money allegedly being distributed by President Ruto and his allies. He claimed the funds being handed out were looted from public hospitals and other critical institutions.

The owners of BBS Mall have already written to the NCIC, demanding investigations and action against Gachagua over the controversy.

More develops…