Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed on Sunday that President William Ruto and his associates benefited from funds stolen in a major fraud case in Minnesota, USA. Speaking at a church service in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Gachagua said some of the money went toward the 2022 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaigns. He also alleged it helped buy land and build a mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, for one of Ruto’s business partners.
The Minnesota case involves a large-scale fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities there say suspects, including some with Kenyan ties, stole hundreds of millions of dollars meant for child nutrition programmes through a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. US investigators have charged dozens and recovered some assets. Gachagua says the US knows where much of the money ended up and should act.
He called on newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump to launch an operation similar to recent actions in Venezuela. “They should come and arrest the beneficiaries here, just like they did there,” Gachagua told the congregation. He argued Kenya needs such intervention to recover the funds and hold people accountable.
Gachagua did not name specific individuals beyond linking one mall owner to Ruto. He said the stolen money, intended for vulnerable people in America, found its way to political and business interests in Kenya. “Part of it funded campaigns, and the rest built properties,” he added.
President Ruto’s office has not responded to the allegations yet. In the past, the government has denied any links between Kenyan officials and the Minnesota fraud. US authorities have not publicly named Ruto or his close allies in the case.
The claims come amid ongoing political tension between Gachagua and Ruto. Gachagua was impeached and removed as deputy president in late 2024 over various charges, which he calls politically motivated. He now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and often criticises the administration.
Churchgoers listened quietly during the speech. Some nodded in agreement, while others focused on the service. Gachagua has used public platforms like the present to air grievances since his ousting.
The Minnesota scandal made headlines in Kenya last year when arrests and trials began in the US. Billions in Kenyan shillings’ equivalent were allegedly laundered through fake meal claims. Prosecutors say it was one of the largest pandemic frauds.
Gachagua urged Trump to speed up investigations. He believes evidence points directly to high-level beneficiaries here. “The US knows the trail,” he repeated.
No independent confirmation supports his specific links to Ruto or UDA campaigns. The allegations add to debates over corruption and foreign probes involving Kenyan figures.
As Trump settles into office, attention turns to his foreign policy moves. Past statements show a focus on immigration and crime, but little on African fraud cases so far.
In Kenya, anti-corruption remains a hot topic. Citizens watch for any international involvement. For now, Gachagua’s words stir discussion in political circles. The church event ended with prayers. Attendees left talking about the bold claims. This story highlights deep divides in Kenyan leadership post-2022 elections. More reactions might come in the days ahead.
