A heated interview on live television on Tuesday, February 9 resulted in a rare dare where a wealthy MP offered to hire a helicopter to disapprove claims made by the TV anchor who was interviewing him.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was displeased by Inooro TV anchor Kamau wa Kang'ethe's claims that a section of Mt Kenya residents remained in IDP camps after being displaced from the Rift Valley region.
Gachagua, had been asked if he had raised the matter with Deputy President William Ruto, but denied the existence of IDPs and challenged the journalist to take him to where such persons existed.
"On numerous occasions, I have heard you say that the people were not settled but I want to challenge to accompany me after this show to Wilson airport for a trip to the area. My accounts have been frozen but I still have a few coins to hire a helicopter so carry your camera and cover the story," Rigathi hit back at the presenter.
The MP was adamant that all those displaced during the clashes had been settled and those saying otherwise had other intentions.
"I will pay for the trip because I would want you to report on your findings during the prime time bulletin and if at all there is anyone who is yet to be compensated, then he or she should take up the issue with the current government," he stated.
Responding to his offer, Kang'ethe indicated that he needed to inform his bosses before embarking on such a trip.
The anchor had posed the question after some residents in the county alleged that they had not been settled back in their lands and were still living in camps.
"Kindly do not make those remarks on this show again before making the trip with me," Rigathi stated.
Currently, Gachagua's bank accounts are frozen as DCI probes Ksh. 12.5B tender scam.
Still during the interview, the MP, who is an ally of Deputy President William Ruto, emphasized that he was not supporting him to get any money in return.
"For the many years that I have supported the president, I have never heard anyone saying that we were getting any money but now that we are supporting the DP, is when I hear that we are paid.
"It is not true, we already have money and do not need to be coerced to support the DP," he added.
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