Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, March 30, fired back at Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale after being branded an extortionist, escalating an already heated political exchange.
Speaking during a United Opposition tour in Ukambani, Gachagua dismissed Duale’s accusations and instead claimed that the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) system would collapse within months, describing it as deeply flawed.
He further alleged that senior officials were linked to the Ksh104 billion SHA system contract, which he claimed was used to misappropriate public funds.
“You and William Ruto brought in a system that cost Ksh104 billion, but you stole that money,” he said.
Gachagua specifically claimed that one of the companies involved in the consortium behind the system, Convergence Network Solutions, had shareholding links to Duale. He alleged that Duale owned a 17 percent stake in the firm.
In a further escalation, Gachagua also targeted President William Ruto, accusing him of controlling the eCitizen platform through proxies.
He alleged that Ksh6 billion was mistakenly transferred from eCitizen to a private account and later diverted, claims he said eventually reached State House.
“Kasongo owns 80 per cent of eCitizen… they have stolen Ksh6 billion,” he alleged, adding that the funds were withdrawn by individuals close to the presidency.
Gachagua further claimed that the money was used for political influence, though he did not provide documentary evidence to support the allegations.
He also urged the government to focus on improving public services rather than engaging in political disputes involving his family.
The former DP made the remarks while touring Ukambani alongside other opposition figures, including Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua.
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