Nairobi — Wajir East MP Aden Daud has launched a scathing attack on impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing him of “reckless and inflammatory” ethnic profiling after linking Somali-owned commercial malls in Kenya to alleged fraud in Minnesota, United States.
In a press statement, MP Aden Daud described Gachagua’s claims—that funds fraudulently obtained in Minnesota have been channeled into building malls and financing political campaigns in Kenya—as “entirely devoid of evidence” and a dangerous attempt to incite ethnic discord.
“Mr Gachagua’s latest utterances echo the very pattern of reckless, divisive, and ethnically laced rhetoric that directly contributed to his historic impeachment,” MP Daud stated. He reminded the public that Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024 after both Houses of Parliament found him guilty of gross constitutional violations, including promoting ethnic discrimination and inflammatory statements that threatened national cohesion.
The MP highlighted Gachagua’s past “shareholding company” analogy, where public appointments and resources were allegedly allocated based on communities’ electoral “shares,” a doctrine ruled to have contravened the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
MP Aden Daud expressed regret that the former Deputy President has shown “no remorse or restraint,” warning that singling out the Somali community risks reigniting ethnic tensions. He emphasised the long-standing harmonious business ties between Somali and Kikuyu communities, among others, adding that manufacturing conflict only undermines national unity.
“Legitimate business ventures by Kenyans of Somali origin, including investments in commercial infrastructure, are a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to national development—not evidence of impropriety,” MP Aden asserted.
He stressed that any individual wrongdoing, whether in Kenya or abroad must be investigated and prosecuted through lawful channels without generalising to an entire ethnic group.
The Wajir East legislator called on Gachagua to “cease this divisive trajectory” and urged all leaders to prioritise responsible discourse. He also appealed to relevant authorities to remain vigilant against any incitement threatening peace and stability.
“Kenya belongs to all of us,” MP Aden Daud concluded. “We must guard jealously against those who seek to fracture it for narrow political gain. Let us recommit to the ideals of our Constitution: equality, inclusivity and national unity.”
The statement comes amid heightened political temperatures ahead of future electoral cycles, with observers noting persistent ethnic undertones in public discourse.
