Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, says he will retrieve his frozen billions once he and Deputy President Willaim Ruto take power and use the money to build a fancy home in Nyeri county.
Speaking in Mathira constituency on Tuesday, June 28, Gachagua stated that he intends to get back his money which he claimed was being held illegally by the government and use the money to build a palatial home.
The Mathira Member of Parliament told the gathering that his new residence will have a nyama choma (roast meat) base for his supporters.
"You know this government froze my account. When we take power, I will take my money back and I will come and build a home here in Kieni so that you can come to visit me. I will build a nice house and also a nice place where men can grill meat and also drink what we drink as we talk," Gachagua stated.
"For the women, we will have a nice place for them where they will be coming to visit Mama Gachagua as they drink porridge while singing and dancing."
In May 2020, Gachagua's personal accounts were frozen on suspicions of money laundering following investigations by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA).
ARA accused the Mathira MP of money laundering and graft. Lawyer Stephen Githinji alleged that Gachagua was colluding with the County Government of Nyeri officials and public officers at the irrigation docket to embezzle funds through his companies.
"There are reasonable grounds to believe that the accounts are used as conduits of money laundering contrary to sections three, four and seven and section 16 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
"There is a real danger that the funds suspected in the listed bank accounts may be withdrawn, transferred, spent or dissipate rendering this application and indeed recovery of the proceeds of crime nugatory," Githinji stated at the time.
The court froze three accounts under Rigathi's name at a local bank. The accounts were registered under three firms, Wamunyoro Investment - which has two accounts - and Technical Supplies and Services Limited.
In his defence, Gachagua claimed that his woes started after falling out with President Uhuru Kenyatta following the 2018 handshake with ODM leader, Raila Odinga.
He maintained that the anguish deepened further after he turned down overtures to abandon Deputy President William Ruto for the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition under Raila.
