Citizen TV reporters Chemutai Goin and Stephen Letoo challenged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to honour his pledge and name individuals allegedly involved in the Ksh16 billion theft of public funds during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's reign.
On Tuesday, March 7, the duo insisted that exposing the government officials who allegedly looted public funds during Uhuru's era would help relevant authorities open a probe.
Goin further indicated that it would also enable the Assets Recovery Authority (ARA) to seize the funds.
"Let us stop this back-and-forth which is now sounding like kids' dare game. Just name them, and let's us see what will happen after that," Goin stated during the Hot96 FM radio morning show.
On the other hand, Letoo argued that the delayed naming of the individuals would cause the issue to be politicised, thus affecting investigations.
While pleading with the Second in Command to honour his pledge, Letoo indicated the money recovered would be diverted into the economy.
"We don't want to see Rigathi repeat such mistakes so many times. Let them swing into action and recover the money because Kenya needs a lot of funds due to the high cost of living," Letoo stated.
The Citizen TV reporters defended their arguments, noting that it would aid the government focus on addressing other pertinent issues, including drought, acute food shortage and high cost of living.
Addressing Tetu Constituency professionals converged in Nairobi on Friday, March 3, Gachagua claimed that the accused stole Ksh6 billion two days before the August 9, 2022, General Election.
He added that Ksh10 billion was also siphoned after President William Ruto's win was challenged at the Supreme Court. Gachagua claimed the money was packed in boxes and transported to the unnamed government officials' homes using choppers.
"The Ksh10 billion was used to purportedly pay some contractors. Money was being brought in cartons and flew with choppers to peoples' homes," Gachagua stated.
On Sunday, March 5, Gachagua divulged into the scandal, stating that powerful government officials, including Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, participated in the scheme.
"In the next few days, I will be releasing details of billions of shillings looted from public coffers in the last three months of the Uhuru administration," he stated.
"I will announce the ministers and PSs responsible so that Kenyans can know," Gachagua added.
