Kiambu Deputy Speaker Drops Bombshell: Gachagua’s Name Emerges in Ksh130,000 Bribery Case
Kiambu Deputy Speaker John Njue used Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s anti-alcohol campaign as his defense in a Ksh130,000 bribery case he is currently facing on Wednesday, June 14.
Officers of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested the Hospital Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA) on Tuesday, June 13, for soliciting a bribe and demanding prime land from a constituent in exchange for assistance in navigating bureaucratic hurdles to obtain approval to conduct commercial activities on the property.
The MCA vehemently denied the allegations to the press, claiming that he was approached by businesspeople who wanted to open a club in a Thika estate.
“Someone called me and stated that they want to start a club in an estate, and I categorically declined.
He emphasized, “We firmly uphold our position as both the Kiambu County and national governments that clubs are strictly prohibited in residential areas.”
Vice President Rigathi Gachagua has been leading an aggressive campaign against drug abuse, especially in Central Kenya.
As part of his defense, the MCA cited this campaign, stating, “Even the Vice President has endorsed this stance.”
“Therefore, as public officials responsible for issuing club permits, we will not permit them in estates. We will also review all previously issued permits,” he added.
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However, the politician contradicted himself regarding the events preceding the alleged offer of bribery.
Initially, he stated, “They offered me money, but I declined to accept it. Then they reported me to the EACC, and I submitted a statement.”
He later recanted this statement and stated, “I first heard about the money at EACC. I have never requested payment.”
Njue noted further that he was unable to request payment because he was not the receiving authority for county payments.
While convening a meeting in Tharaka Nithi on June 12, the DP stated that the Kenya Kwanza government would not relent in its fight against alcohol and drug abuse.
During the meeting, the DP instructed Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs). And County Commissioners to eliminate the menace within ten days or face dismissal.
The Interior Ministry, through Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. Announced two days after the directive that they are actively implementing the DP’s directive.
“A total of 43,708 outlets have been evaluated, with 37,713 already cleared to continue operations and 5,995 closed due to serious safety violations and failure to comply with fundamental legal requirements,” Kindiki stated.
Kiambu Deputy Speaker Drops Bombshell: Gachagua’s Name Emerges in Ksh130,000 Bribery Case
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