Editor's Review

High Court judge Esther Maina said Gachagua failed to explain how he acquired the wealth from government agencies.

The High Court has ordered UDA presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua to surrender Sh200 million suspected to be proceeds of crime to the State.

The amount had been frozen in his bank accounts after the court okayed the move.

Gachagua is accused of fraudulently acquiring the money since he was unable to explain how he earned the money.

Justice Esther Maina ruled that the MP admitted that he received the funds from government agencies but there was no evidence that he supplied any services or goods. 

The funds were being held at Rafiki Microfinance Bank. 

He held three bank accounts at the bank. One was holding Sh165 million, the second holds Sh35 million, and the third holds Sh773,228.

All three are registered in the MP’s names. A fourth account linked to Gachagua held Sh1,138,142, registered in the name of Jenne Enterprises.

“I have carefully considered the evidence on record including affidavits, annexures and submissions by all parties and I am satisfied that the funds are liable for forfeiture to the government,” the judge said. 

{Ruto, Rigathi and Waiguru during a campaign in Kirinyaga}
The ruling is a blow to Gachagua who had vowed to take back his money should he and his boss William Ruto win the presidency on August 9. 

Gachagua said he will use part of the money to build a decent home for himself where his locals will regularly visit him for enjoyment and bonding.