UDA SG Omar Calls for Gachagua’s Arrest Over Fuel Scandal Remarks

A photo Collage of UDA SG Hassan Omar and Rigathi Limited

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has called on investigative agencies to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks on the ongoing oil importation scandal.

Speaking on Monday at the Hustler Centre in Nyali, Omar claimed Gachagua’s statements were influenced by individuals linked to the controversial fuel deal, which has already seen several senior officials resign.

Those who have stepped aside include Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo.

“We urge the two shallow-well talkers who have styled themselves as echo chamber enthusiasts to desist from acting at the behest of their Mombasa-based benefactor,” Omar said.

Omar also questioned Gachagua’s knowledge of the alleged scheme, citing remarks made on Sunday at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

“We urge investigative agencies to scrutinise the conduct of Wamunyoro (Gachagua). If evidence establishes complicity, he should be treated as an accomplice and subjected to the full force of the law,” he added.

Gachagua had alleged that cash was recovered during the probe, claims that were swiftly dismissed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In a statement signed by J.K. Marete, the DCI said the allegations lacked any factual or evidentiary basis and were intended to undermine public confidence in the institution.

“The claims he made concerning recoveries and exhibits in regard to the ongoing probe into the suspected irregular procurement of fuel cargo lack any factual or evidentiary basis,” the DCI said.

The agency added that it is analysing Gachagua’s remarks, including those made in Gikuyu, to determine whether they breach the National Cohesion and Integration Act or other provisions of the Penal Code.

Omar further accused the former Deputy President of spreading misinformation and inciting ethnic tensions for political gain.

“We have been treated to a theatre of misinformation, disinformation, ethnic incitement, and whipping of emotions by this gentleman even when the facts speak the contrary,” he said.

“We have decided as a party that we will respond to every instance of misinformation, particularly where it is evident he is being used by paymasters to create discord in the political space,” Omar added.

He defended the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import arrangement, saying it was introduced to secure supply and cushion Kenyans from volatile global fuel prices.

According to Omar, the deal has also played a key role in stabilising the Kenyan shilling against the dollar and preventing an economic crisis.

“For public officers to act outside established frameworks, risking the withdrawal of our G2G partners, is the height of greed and lack of patriotism,” he said.

Omar claimed some players attempted to exploit the situation by creating artificial fuel shortages, leading to panic buying in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

He warned that any increase in fuel prices would have a ripple effect on the cost of living.

Meanwhile, Kenya Pipeline Company Director Mutungwa Wambua assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel reserves to last at least 30 days.

Wambua urged staff not to panic, stating that those found culpable in the scandal would be held accountable.

“Let all staff of KPC not panic. If you are clean, you will be found clean. But if your hands are dirty, the government will come for you,” he said.

Omar added that swift government action had helped avert a potential loss of more than Sh3 billion through the irregular importation of substandard fuel, insisting that the G2G arrangement continues to shield the country from a possible fuel crisis.