Gachagua Escapes 50 Year Jail Term

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stunned the public on Monday as he disclosed his narrow escape from a potential 50-year jail sentence, attributing his reprieve to an unnamed magistrate.

Gachagua made these revelations during the New Year celebrations at Nyeri Maximum Security Prison, shedding light on a sinister plan orchestrated by the previous administration to seize his Ksh12.4 billion wealth and incarcerate him.

In a candid account, Gachagua accused former Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti of fabricating charges against him, alleging that his massive fortune was acquired through criminal means.

Gachagua claimed that Kinoti resorted to intimidation tactics, putting pressure on a magistrate to secure a severe sentence.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Gachagua recounted, “They put a gun on the magistrate’s head so that he can jail me for 50 years.”

Fortunately, the magistrate, recognizing the political undertones of the case, opted to postpone the proceedings until after the September 2022 general election.

Gachagua asserted that Kinoti failed to substantiate the allegations, prompting the magistrate, supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and DCI investigation officers, to delay the trial. The Deputy President maintained that the charges were baseless and rooted in a political witchhunt.

In November 2023, Gachagua clarified that the Ksh12.4 billion case originated from a misinterpretation of his accrued bank balance by a National Police Service corporal.

He explained, “I had put some money in a microfinance bank for eight years, so I was living on the interest, Ksh1.9 million.” The confusion arose when a corporal incorrectly calculated the annual influx, leading to the inflated figure of Ksh12.4 billion.

This revelation raises questions about the integrity of the accusations against Gachagua and the lengths to which certain individuals in power were willing to go to tarnish his reputation.

The involvement of high-ranking officials, including the former DCI boss, adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding scandal.

As Gachagua planted a tree at Nyeri Maximum Security Prison on January 1, 2024, it remains to be seen how this shocking revelation will impact the political landscape and whether further investigations will be initiated to uncover the truth behind the alleged plot against the Deputy President.

In the midst of this unfolding drama, Kenyans remain captivated by other pressing news stories, including the tragic murder of athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, changes in Nairobi Expressway charges, and the daunting Ksh300 billion headache threatening to taint Deputy President Ruto’s 2024 prospects.

The intricate web of events continues to shape the narrative of Kenya’s political and social landscape.