Oil importation scandal: Gachagua dares DCI to arrest him

By Newsflash Reporter

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him following explosive claims that President William Ruto allegedly ordered the transfer of more than Sh500 million that was meant to serve as exhibit in the ongoing Oil Importation Scandal investigations.

Gachagua made the remarks on Sunday, April 5, 2026, while speaking at Gakoe AIPCA Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

He linked the alleged funds to the ongoing probe into the Oil Importation Scandal, which has implicated several senior government officials.

The investigations are ongoing against Principal Secretary for the State Department of Petroleum Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Deputy Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy Joseph Wafula, and KPC Supply and Logistics Manager Joel Mburu.

The officers have since resigned over the scandal as investigations continue.

According to Gachagua, he was briefed by security officers on Saturday night.

“The DCI officers informed me last night that the President ordered the Sh500 million that were to be used as exhibit in the case involving the officers be taken to him,” alleged Gachagua.

He further dared investigative agencies to take action against him over the claims, insisting that he would stand by his statement even if it led to his arrest.

DCI fires back

In a swift response, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations dismissed the claims as false, unfounded, and malicious, terming them an attempt to undermine public confidence in the agency’s work.

In its statement, the DCI said it had taken note of Gachagua’s remarks.

“The allegations levelled against the DCI in the course of Rigathi Gachagua’s speech are false, unfounded and malicious,” the statement read.

The agency also rejected the claims regarding recoveries and exhibits in the ongoing probe into suspected irregular procurement of fuel cargo under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

“The claims he made concerning recoveries and exhibits in regard to the ongoing probe into the suspected irregular procurement of fuel cargo by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum lack any factual or evidentiary basis and are clearly intended to undermine public confidence in a key national law enforcement institution.”

The DCI emphasized that all evidence in the matter is being handled strictly within legal and procedural frameworks.

Probe continues

The DCI further defended its independence, stating that it remains guided solely by the Constitution, the law, and professional ethics, and will not be swayed by political pressure or public commentary.

“Any exhibits, evidence or information that has come to the attention of the DCI in relation the matter in question is being handled strictly and professionally as provided for in our Service Standing Orders and the laws of Kenya,” the statement added.

The agency also warned that it is reviewing Gachagua’s remarks, including those delivered in the Kikuyu language, to determine whether they amount to hate speech, ethnic contempt, or incitement under the National Cohesion and Integration Act and the Penal Code.

“The DCI will not hesitate to take appropriate action where the law has been broken, irrespective of the status or position of any individual,” it said.