Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has distanced himself from allegations involving 22 companies that he is accused of using for money laundering and amassing illicit wealth, amounting to Ksh. 5.2 billion.

These accusations, made as part of a broader impeachment motion against him, claim that he used these companies to mask proceeds of corruption, with a particular focus on a company named Morani Manufacturers Limited.

Gachagua’s defense, through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, asserts that the companies in question, including Morani Manufacturers, were not involved in any significant transactions since he became Deputy President. The lawyer provided documentation (CR12 forms) to prove the company’s ownership and limited activity. The defense also emphasized that the charges are a politically motivated attack, targeting Gachagua’s family, including his wife and children, who were recently listed as directors of the company. Omari criticized the inclusion of Gachagua’s family in the charges, arguing that they are not part of public office and should not be implicated in political disputes.Gachagua’s defense team has vowed to challenge the inclusion of his family in these accusations in court, citing constitutional protections for family members of public figures.