Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto benefited from funds stolen from Minnesota in the United States and laundered into Kenya through real estate investments. The claims were made during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Komothai, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County. Gachagua urged U.S. authorities to expedite the extradition of suspects involved in the fraud.
During a Sunday church service on January 4, 2026, at AIPCA Kiratina in Komothai, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, made serious allegations against President William Ruto. Gachagua claimed that funds stolen from U.S. government programs in Minnesota, originally intended to support people with disabilities, were laundered into Kenya and invested in real estate and political campaigns.
"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 stated. He added, "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."
Gachagua alleged that some of the funds were used to build a mall in Eastleigh, with its owner being a business associate of the President. He also claimed Ruto had been holding meetings to influence courts into issuing injunctions to block potential extraditions, though no evidence was provided.
The remarks come amid heightened U.S. federal investigations into large-scale fraud schemes involving money laundering from Minnesota to countries including Kenya. On December 28, 2025, FBI Director Kash Patel stated the agency had deployed additional personnel and resources to Minnesota to dismantle fraud networks exploiting federal programs. Probes have linked the fraud to initiatives like Feeding Our Future and Housing Stabilisation Services, with proceeds used to acquire luxury properties in Kenya, such as apartment blocks in Nairobi’s Eastlands area and along the coast.
Gachagua directly appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to fast-track the extradition of suspects without court processes. "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," he said.
These claims intensify political tensions in Kenya as international investigations continue.
