Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused senior officials in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration of stealing Ksh16 billion, just days before handing over power.
Speaking to Tetu Constituency professionals in Nairobi on Friday, March 3, Gachagua claimed that the accused stole Ksh6 billion two days before the August 9, 2022, General Election, and siphoned Ksh10 billion after President William Ruto’s win was challenged at the Supreme Court by Azimio presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga.
Gachagua alleged that the money was packed in boxes at an airport in Nairobi before being flown using choppers to the homes of government officials.
“The Ksh10 billion was used to purportedly pay some contractors. Money was being brought in cartons and flown with choppers to people’s homes,” he added.
Gachagua, however, did not mention the government officials involved in the alleged Ksh16 billion scandal. When asked about the allegations, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) declined to comment.
Gachagua also expressed his concerns about Kenya’s debt left by the previous administration, which had resulted in international lenders blacklisting the country.
However, he stated that the embargo had been lifted, allowing the country to engage international lenders to get credit.
“Before we came, international lenders had blacklisted us, but we have now been given a thumbs up. We can now engage international lenders if we want any credit,” he revealed.
In response to the allegations, some Kenyans expressed their frustrations with corruption in the country. “It’s shocking how easily public funds are stolen in Kenya,” said one citizen. Another added, “If these allegations are true, then those involved must be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, Kenya has sought Ksh76 billion from international banks to fund the country’s projects, following the Cabinet’s decision to abandon the country’s Ksh10 trillion debt ceiling in favor of floating the target of 55% of Gross Domestic Product.
