Deputy President William Ruto has sent a message of encouragement to Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua following his arrest on Friday morning 23rd July 2021.
The legislator was seized from his Sagana home in Nyeri County on Friday morning by detectives.
"As predicted two dozens of DCI officers raided my Nyeri home and arrested me to face trumped-up charges of money laundering. I am being driven to Nairobi at reckless speed to spend the weekend in the cells," MP Gachagua posted on social media while confirming his arrest.
In a tweet on Friday evening, DP Ruto encouraged the legislator to remain strong stating, "My bro Gachagua, I know you are strong because we knew this politically instigated trumped up charges were coming. This persecution on account of our friendship & political beliefs will come to an end. They have connections,networks,pedigree& godfathers BUT we have GOD our Father."
Prior to the arrest, the Assets Recovery Authority had been on Gachagua's trail over Ksh 12.5 billion that was allegedly moved through three of his accounts in a Microfinance bank.
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File Image Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua
The Authority alleged that the sum had been moved through the accounts in a 7 year period in what was suspected to be a case of money laundering.
Transactions in the court's possession reveal that Hon Gachagua started receiving the money in 2013 from government bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Bungoma County Government, Mathira CDF, and Nyeri County Government.
One of his bank accounts at Rafiki Microfinance that had Ksh 200 million was frozen by the court.
On the other hand, MP Gachagua has maintained that he can account for every penny claiming to be a prudent businessman who has gained his riches through a variety of ventures, including owning a candy factory and organizing discos in his youth.
The legislator further attributed his recent troubles to his political standing.
"I have done legitimate businesses with the National Government and other people, when the matter comes up for mentioning next month, I will account for every cent I have made,” the MP said in a past interview.
