Kenya–US Tensions Loom as Gachagua Alleges Ruto Tied to Minnesota Fraud Millions
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations against President William Ruto, claiming the Head of State benefited from millions of dollars allegedly stolen from disability support programmes in the United States and laundered into Kenya through real estate investments.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Komothai, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 4, Gachagua alleged that funds originating from Minnesota were diverted from programmes meant to assist persons living with disabilities before being channelled into Kenya.
According to the former Deputy President, the money was subsequently invested in land, residential properties, and commercial developments, including what he claimed was a shopping mall in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.
“That money was meant to help people living with disabilities. It was stolen, brought to Kenya and invested in land, houses, and the construction of a mall,” Gachagua told congregants.
He further alleged that part of the funds was used to finance political campaigns, claiming that the Eastleigh mall was owned by a close business associate of President Ruto.
“The United States knows where the money went, and they are now looking for it. Part of that money was allegedly given to Ruto for campaigns,” he claimed, without presenting documentary evidence.
Direct Appeal to Donald Trump
In a dramatic escalation, Gachagua directly appealed to United States President Donald Trump, urging American authorities to bypass lengthy court processes and fast-track the extradition of suspects linked to the alleged fraud.
“We are appealing to Trump. Do not bother with the court process. Just do what you did in Venezuela. Send a plane, pick that fellow and prosecute him,” Gachagua said.
He further alleged that President Ruto had been holding meetings aimed at influencing Kenya’s judiciary to issue injunctions blocking any potential extraditions to the United States. Gachagua, however, did not provide proof to support the allegation.
US Investigations Intensify
Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened investigations by United States federal authorities into large-scale fraud and money laundering schemes linked to Minnesota, with Kenya listed among several destination countries for the alleged proceeds.
On December 28 last year, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency had deployed additional personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle fraud networks exploiting federal programmes.
“The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota. Even before the public conversation escalated, the FBI had surged investigative resources to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programmes,” Patel said, adding that such crimes remain a top national priority.
Court filings in the US have linked the alleged fraud to programmes such as Feeding Our Future and Housing Stabilisation Services. Investigators allege that part of the stolen funds was used to acquire high-end properties abroad, including apartment blocks in Nairobi’s Eastlands area and luxury developments along Kenya’s coastline.
Neither President Ruto nor State House has issued an official response to Gachagua’s allegations at the time of publication.
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Kenya–US Tensions Loom as Gachagua Alleges Ruto Tied to Minnesota Fraud Millions