MP Aden Daud Condemns Gachagua for Ethnic Profiling in Minnesota Fraud Claims

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Wajir East Member of Parliament Aden Daud has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing his recent remarks on alleged Minnesota fraud funds as reckless, divisive, and a threat to national unity

In a statement on Monday, Daud accused Gachagua of engaging in ethnic profiling by making unverified claims against the Somali community

Gachagua had claimed that funds fraudulently obtained from Minnesota in the United States were being channeled into Kenya to finance the construction of commercial malls and political activities

“These allegations amount to dangerous ethnic profiling and have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law,” Daud said, warning that such statements could reignite ethnic tensions in Kenya, which has made significant strides in promoting peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities

The legislator noted that Gachagua has a history of ethnically charged rhetoric, which, according to Daud, culminated in his impeachment by both Houses of Parliament in October 2024

He also recalled past statements where Gachagua allegedly likened the Kenyan government to a shareholding entity, suggesting that public appointments and resources should be distributed based on perceived electoral “shares” held by different communities

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Daud said this approach alienates large sections of the population and violates the National Cohesion and Integration Act

Despite his removal from office, Daud said, Gachagua continues to promote narratives that threaten social harmony

He cautioned that singling out the Somali community in allegations of illicit financial flows could sow unnecessary discord among communities that have historically coexisted peacefully

“The Somali and Kikuyu communities, among others, have built strong business ties, mutual respect, and shared prosperity across Kenya,” Daud said

“There is no inherent conflict between them, and any attempt to manufacture one only undermines the unity that is the bedrock of our Republic”

Daud emphasized that any alleged criminal activity, whether domestic or abroad, should be investigated and prosecuted through proper legal channels without generalizing blame to entire communities

He defended legitimate investments by Kenyans of Somali origin, describing them as examples of entrepreneurship and national development contributions

The MP called on Gachagua to abandon his divisive rhetoric and urged all leaders to exercise responsibility in public discourse

He also appealed to authorities to remain vigilant against statements that could incite conflict and threaten peace

“Kenya belongs to all of us, and we must guard it jealously against those who seek to fracture it for narrow political gain,” he said