National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has alleged that he received Ksh.5 million from Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua during his tenure as Deputy President—claims that have sparked fresh concerns over possible political influence and misuse of public funds.
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### Background Allegations on Misuse of Funds
Ichung’wah stated that concerns had been circulating linking Rigathi Gachagua and former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for children’s food programmes across the country.
According to him, these claims formed the basis of a confrontation he later had with Gachagua.
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### Confrontation with Gachagua
During an interview on *Obinna Show Live*, Ichung’wah said he directly raised the issue with Gachagua, questioning the alleged misuse of funds.
“Iko siku, wakati tuligundua wamekula na Machogu pesa ya chakula ya watoto, nikasema wewe ulituita hapa unasomea watu in our presence, tunaskia hiyo pesa ililipwa na umegaiwa. Akasema hiyo ni propaganda ya wakora,” he stated.
He claimed Gachagua dismissed the allegations as propaganda from his detractors.
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### 9:30 PM – Call from Handler
Ichung’wah further alleged that later that evening at around 9:30 p.m., he received a call from one of Gachagua’s handlers, identified as Ngotho.
The handler reportedly requested a meeting and indicated he had been sent to deliver a package on behalf of Gachagua.
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### Meeting at Shell Petrol Station
He said he drove to a Shell petrol station where the meeting took place. According to his account, the handler arrived carrying a black backpack.
Upon opening it, Ichung’wah claims he found Ksh.5 million in cash.
“That day, kitu 9.30 pm, one of his handlers, Ngotho, akanipigia simu kuniambia tupatane hapa Shell kwa kuwa kuna kitu ameambiwa ampatie na mkubwa. Nikachukua gari nikaenda hapo. Akakuja na backpack ya black, kufungua zip nikapata Ksh.5 million cash. Nikamwuliza ni ya nini, akasema boss amesema niletewe atanipigia,” he recounted.
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### 10:30 PM – Follow-Up Call from Gachagua
Ichung’wah said that at around 10:30 p.m., he received a phone call from Gachagua regarding the money.
According to him, Gachagua explained that the funds were meant to support him in managing the financial pressures of his role, particularly in assisting constituents and contributing to fundraising efforts.
“About 10.30 pm, akanipigia simu akisema ile maneno tuliongea anajua kazi yangu ni ngumu kwa vile wabunge wanataka support kila mara juu ya harambee na wakati mwingine nimekwama kabisa. Akasema ndo maana ameamua kunisaidia kidogo ili niweze kujisukuma weekend. Wakati huo nilikuwa na harambee, nilitoa Ksh.1 million,” he added.
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### Aftermath and Emerging Questions
Ichung’wah now claims he suspects that the money may have originated from misappropriated public funds or may have been intended to influence him for undisclosed purposes.
As of the time of publication, Rigathi Gachagua had not issued any public response to the allegations.
