Former Mukurweini Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando has slammed Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over his recent attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following remarks linked to the Minnesota fraud case.

Gachagua recently called on the United States to investigate the Kenyan government over funds connected to the Minnesota fraud scandal, remarks that sparked sharp reactions from sections of the government, including CS Kinyanjui.

In a strongly worded statement, Kabando accused Kinyanjui of abandoning his long-held reformist stance after joining President William Ruto’s administration. He argued that issues touching on international relations, diplomacy, and global security cannot be treated casually or reduced to political rhetoric.

Kabando lamented what he described as the loss of Kinyanjui’s once-sharp public commentary against poor governance, suggesting that his alignment with the current administration had altered his political posture. He warned that matters involving foreign governments and international diplomacy demand sobriety and responsibility, rather than partisan attacks.

The former legislator further cautioned that escalating political exchanges over sensitive international issues could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s diplomatic standing.

“My elusive rafiki, Lee, we miss your acerbic weekly proverbs against kakistocracy. But ever since you traded that space to be Ruto’s emissary, Ubuntu has transitioned to UDA’s political enterprise. Matters international relations, diplomacy, and ‘World War III’ drums aren’t proverbial”, he stated

Lee kinyanjui’s rebuttal

This comes a day after Lee Kinyanjui came out with a rejoinder after Gachagua’s remarks.

Taking to his official social media accounts on Monday, January 5, 2026, Kinyanjui accused Gachagua of recklessness and poor judgement, warning that dragging foreign governments into Kenya’s internal political disputes could have far-reaching and potentially disastrous consequences for the country.

“The DCP leader has been quoted as requesting the intervention of the USA to investigate Kenya’s leadership over allegations of sponsorship through funds linked to the Minnesota fraud case. Never mind, it’s on the very party he was the running mate for,” Kinyanjui stated.

“While the province of investigations does not belong to me, the sheer lack of wisdom in failing to distinguish between political differences and matters of grave international significance is alarming.”