By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 4 January 2026 - Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged the United States to fast-track investigations into an expansive fraud scheme in Minnesota, alleging that part of the stolen funds were channeled into President William Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential campaign.
Speaking on Sunday in Komothai, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, the former Deputy President said Washington should act with urgency to pursue suspects linked to the scandal.
He accused the Kenyan government of frustrating extradition efforts through court orders that he claimed were shielding those implicated in the alleged money laundering.
Gachagua alleged that President Ruto benefited from proceeds of the Minnesota fraud, arguing that the funds were used to bankroll his campaign.
He challenged the U.S. administration to apply what he termed decisive measures similar to those seen in the recent arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, insisting that international crime networks required firm and swift action.
His remarks come as U.S. federal authorities intensify investigations into large-scale fraud schemes in Minnesota that allegedly siphoned hundreds of millions of dollars from taxpayer-funded aid meant for vulnerable children under the pandemic-era Feeding Our Future programme.
On December 30, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau had deployed additional personnel and resources to dismantle what he described as extensive fraud networks. Investigators have so far uncovered a $250 million scheme involving fake vendors, shell companies and complex money-laundering operations.
According to the FBI, the probe has led to 78 indictments and 57 convictions on charges including wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering, with officials cautioning that the cases handled so far may represent only a small portion of the wider network.
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The investigations have also raised questions about possible international links.
Earlier, the White House named Kenya among countries allegedly connected to proceeds of the Minnesota schemes, claiming some funds were used to acquire property and luxury assets abroad. Kenyan authorities have yet to publicly respond.
Beyond the fraud claims, Gachagua accused President Ruto of previously undermining efforts to combat drug and substance abuse during his time as Deputy President, describing it as contradictory for the government to now promise a crackdown on narcotics.
He also alleged that individuals linked to the drug trade had been appointed to Cabinet positions.
Outlining the opposition’s agenda, Gachagua said the United Opposition would focus on free education, reviving the Linda Mama programme, and implementing agricultural reforms to improve livelihoods. He dismissed recent opinion polls showing declining support for him as politically sponsored, and defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism, saying he was entitled to associate freely.
Gachagua was accompanied by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who echoed his remarks before engaging residents across Githunguri Constituency.
