Wajir East MP slams Gachagua over ‘reckless’ Minnesota fraud claims

Wajir East MP Aden Daud Mohamed/FILE

Wajir East MP Aden Daud Mohamed has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he described as reckless, inflammatory and unsubstantiated remarks linking the Minnesota fraud case in the U.S to political financing and business interests in Kenya.

In a statement, Mohamed accused Gachagua of advancing claims that lack evidence and risk fuelling ethnic profiling, particularly against the Somali community.

He faulted the former Deputy President for alleging that funds allegedly obtained fraudulently from Minnesota were channelled into Kenya to construct commercial malls and bankroll political campaigns.

According to Mohamed, such assertions are not only misleading but dangerous in a country that has worked hard to foster cohesion among its diverse communities. 

He stressed that any criminal activity, whether committed locally or abroad, should be handled strictly through lawful investigative and judicial processes without casting suspicion on entire communities.

“Individual wrongdoing, wherever it occurs and by whomever it is committed—whether in Kenya or abroad—must be investigated and prosecuted through lawful channels without generalising to an entire ethnic group,” Mohamed said.

He defended Somali Kenyans’ role in national development, saying their investments across the country are legitimate and contribute significantly to economic growth. 

Mohamed warned that framing business success as criminal activity undermines social harmony and discourages entrepreneurship.

“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,” he said.

Mohamed called on Gachagua to desist from rhetoric that could inflame ethnic tensions, urging leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in public discourse.

“I call upon Mr. Gachagua to cease this divisive trajectory and upon all leaders to prioritise responsible discourse that uplifts rather than divides. Relevant authorities must remain vigilant against any incitement that threatens peace and stability. Kenya belongs to all of us, and we must guard jealously against those who seek to fracture it for narrow political gain,” he said.

He further urged Kenyans to uphold constitutional values, adding, “Let us recommit to the ideals of our Constitution: equality, inclusivity, and national unity.”

Mohamed noted that communities such as the Somali and Kikuyu have long forged strong business partnerships and coexist peacefully across the country, contributing to shared prosperity.

Gachagua recently sparked controversy after linking the Minnesota fraud case in the United States to Kenyan politics and business. 

He alleged that money stolen in the scheme was laundered through real estate investments in Kenya and used to benefit Kenya Kwanza leaders, including financing a mall owned by a prominent government ally. 

He went further to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and fast-track investigations and extraditions related to the case.

Separately, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who is also the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, echoed Mohamed’s sentiments, sharply criticising Gachagua for what he termed “reckless and inflammatory” ethnic profiling. 

Abdullahi dismissed the allegations as baseless, saying claims that fraudulently obtained funds from Minnesota were used to build malls and fund political campaigns in Kenya are “entirely devoid of evidence.”

Both leaders warned that such statements risk undermining national unity and called for sober, fact-based leadership focused on safeguarding peace and cohesion.