Gachagua given 48-hour ultimatum to apologise for defamatory remarks

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has until Monday to retract his statement alleging that Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga received Sh10 million to support his impeachment in October last year.

Wamatinga has warned that his lawyers will move to court to seek legal redress if Gachagua does not withdraw the remarks, which the senator said portrayed him as dishonest and corrupt, suggesting he was a beneficiary of illicit deals.

Gachagua will face a defamation lawsuit if he does not apologise and take responsibility for his (defamatory) words within 48 hours.

Wamatinga stated that he was never approached or offered Sh10 million, as claimed by the former Deputy President.

A demand letter has already been issued to Gachagua by lawyer Wycliffe Nyabuto.

Gachagua made the remarks in Machakos County last weekend, telling a section of residents that only their leaders had shielded him, whereas even his senator (Wamatinga) had received Sh10 million.

The senator has denied receiving any bribes and demanded that Gachagua retract the statement, which he says has damaged his reputation and integrity.

Failure to comply with the terms of the demand letter by the close of business on March 9, 2025 will result in the matter being escalated to court.

Through Nyabuto, Wamatinga claims that the remarks further implied he is incapable of discharging his duties as senator truthfully and honestly.

"Our client takes issue with your defamatory statements and vehemently denies ever being bribed to vote against you during the Senate impeachment trial. The dissemination of the defamatory material against our client has extended beyond Kenya due to your significant online following," the demand letter to Gachagua reads in part.

"Take note that if we do not receive compliance with the terms of this demand notice by the close of business on March 9, 2025, we have instructions to proceed to court to protect our client's interests without any further notice or reference."

Additionally, the notice stated that the remarks were captured electronically and widely circulated in mainstream media outlets and on social media platforms, reaching an international audience.

Wamatinga argues that the misleading statements and allegations were intended to cause him extreme embarrassment and reputational damage.

"The defamatory statements made against our client, which we know you were aware were false, have severely damaged our client’s reputation and lowered his social and political standing," the letter reads.

Wamatinga stated that he was on a business trip abroad when the remarks were made and that some of his associates, whom he was meeting, had received the comments made by the former Deputy President, which had the potential to harm his business.

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