Kinyanjui Criticizes Gachagua Over Foreign Involvement in Politics

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for requesting that former US President Donald Trump investigate Kenyan leaders regarding alleged ties to a fraud case in Minnesota. Kinyanjui expressed concerns about the potential consequences of involving foreign governments in Kenya’s internal political matters.

Gachagua’s Request to the United States

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Rigathi Gachagua called on Donald Trump to conduct an investigation in Kenya similar to the operation carried out in Venezuela, which resulted in the arrest of Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at a church service in Kiambu County, Gachagua alleged that individuals linked to the Minnesota scandal continue to benefit from government contracts, negatively impacting rice farmers in Mwea. He reportedly suggested Trump bypass Kenyan extradition processes.

Kinyanjui’s Response

Lee Kinyanjui responded to Gachagua’s statements on Monday, January 5, 2026, via social media. He accused Gachagua of demonstrating “wanton recklessness and poor judgment.” Kinyanjui questioned the motivation behind the appeal to the US, noting the irony that the allegations relate to a political formation with which Gachagua was previously associated.

Concerns About International Intervention

Kinyanjui argued that seeking external intervention is driven by personal political scores rather than a genuine pursuit of accountability. He warned that such actions could have “potentially catastrophic consequences” for Kenya, describing the behavior as “regressive and dangerous.” He further stated that failing to distinguish between political differences and matters of international significance is alarming.