NAIROBI, Kenya — Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him, escalating a public standoff over his claims that a KSh500 million exhibit linked to an ongoing fuel procurement investigation had been stolen.
Speaking on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he would not be intimidated and stood by his allegations.
“I spoke at Gakoe and explained the issues surrounding the conflict and how a KSh500 million exhibit was stolen,” he said.
“Now I see the DCI writing statements to intimidate me. Let me tell you, if you want to arrest me, come and arrest me and see what will follow.”
Gachagua accused investigators of focusing on him instead of addressing what he described as a pattern of attacks against his supporters.
“Before you threaten me with arrest, I want those who attacked us in Limuru during a funeral to be arrested and taken to court,” he said.
He further alleged that his supporters had been assaulted in Mwiki, Kariobangi and Witima, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“Do not intimidate us. We have the right to freedom of expression to defend Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
In a strongly worded response, the DCI dismissed Gachagua’s claims as baseless and potentially damaging to public confidence in law enforcement.
“The allegations levelled against the DCI lack any factual or evidentiary basis and are clearly intended to undermine public confidence in a key national law enforcement institution,” the agency said in a statement.
According to the DCI, all evidence and exhibits connected to the investigation into suspected irregular fuel procurement under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum are being handled in accordance with the law.
The agency also confirmed it is reviewing Gachagua’s full remarks, including those delivered in Gikuyu, to assess whether they may constitute offences under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, particularly in relation to hate speech provisions.
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“The DCI will not hesitate to take appropriate action where the law has been broken, irrespective of the status or position of any individual,” read part of the statement.
The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny over Kenya’s fuel procurement processes, which have in recent weeks been linked to supply disruptions and governance concerns within the energy sector.
Political analysts say the confrontation reflects growing tensions between opposition figures and state institutions, with public trust, accountability, and freedom of expression emerging as central themes.
Despite the warning from investigators, Gachagua signalled he would continue speaking out, suggesting he holds additional information he intends to share publicly.
