Gachagua changes tune on fuel scandal day after defending resigned energy bosses
By Mustafa Juma, April 5, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a dramatic U-turn on the ongoing fuel scandal, shifting his stance just a day after publicly defending senior energy sector officials who recently resigned amid investigations.
Speaking on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during a church service at AIPCA Gakoe, Gatundu North in Kiambu County, Gachagua now claims the controversy surrounding the importation of fuel is not about protecting consumers, as he had earlier suggested, but rather a bitter business rivalry involving President William Ruto and individuals within his administration.
On Saturday, April 4, Gachagua had defended the embattled officials, arguing that they were attempting to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices by importing cheaper petroleum products outside the government’s framework.
Internal disputes
However, in a sharp reversal, he now claims that the saga is rooted in internal disputes over control of lucrative fuel importation deals.
“Jana, on Good Friday, kumekamatwa watu, ju ya mambo ya petroli. Jana nilikuwa natetea hao watu walishikwa, lakini Jana usiku ndio nimepata taarifa kamili yakwamba ni vita ya biashara kati ya Ruto na wafanyikazi wake,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further alleged that the government’s fuel importation system, commonly referred to as Government-to-Government (G-to-G), is controlled by business interests linked to the President.
He claimed that certain officials in the energy sector attempted to bypass this arrangement by independently sourcing fuel, triggering a fallout.
According to him, the officials orchestrated alternative fuel imports without the president’s knowledge, leading to their arrest once the plan was uncovered.
DCI probe
Gachagua also claimed that investigators recovered large sums of cash from individuals linked to the scandal, suggesting possible proceeds of corruption.
He claimed that each location raided yielded significant amounts of money, now reportedly under investigation by authorities.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that it is probing the suspected irregular procurement of an emergency fuel cargo, with several senior officials and company executives already questioned.
The agency has also indicated that it is working with international partners to establish the full scope of the transactions under scrutiny.
Gachagua’s shifting narrative adds a new layer of complexity to an already contentious issue, further fuelling political debate over the true nature of the fuel scandal.