In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, Keynan accused Gachagua of making unsubstantiated and inflammatory claims against the businessman, who owns a popular shopping mall in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.
The MP called on Gachagua to immediately retract the remarks, issue an unconditional public apology, and desist from making statements that could harm legitimate businesses.
“Mr. Gachagua must retract his false and unsubstantiated claims, issue an unreserved public apology, and cease engaging in inflammatory rhetoric targeting lawful investments and businesses in Kenya,” Keynan said.
Keynan further alleged that the remarks were ethnically motivated and formally petitioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate the former Deputy President for possible hate speech and ethnic incitement.
“I formally call upon the NCIC to urgently investigate the unfounded statements made by Mr. Rigathi Gachagua and to institute appropriate legal action in accordance with the law,” he added.
The MP defended the unnamed businessman, stating that the Eastleigh mall was developed through verifiable private equity investments and regulated banking channels, contrary to claims made by Gachagua.
The former Deputy President, while speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri on January 4, alleged that the businessman was linked to a Ksh30 billion (USD 300 million) fraud and money-laundering scheme in Minnesota, United States.
Gachagua further claimed that the businessman had close links to President William Ruto and allegedly financed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaigns during the last general election.
Keynan dismissed the allegations as reckless and malicious, insisting that the businessman has no record of criminal wrongdoing and enjoys an unblemished reputation in business circles.
“The gravity of these claims, made without evidence, poses serious reputational and economic risks,” the MP said.
His remarks were echoed by Council of Governors Chairperson and Wajir MP Ahmed Abdullahi, who also criticised Gachagua’s statements and advised the businessman to pursue legal action for defamation.
Abdullahi further cautioned that the former Deputy President’s rhetoric could deepen political divisions and harm investor confidence, particularly within Nairobi’s business community.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate over political rhetoric, ethnic sensitivities, and the responsibility of leaders when making public accusations.
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