Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to ensure that all currency printing complies strictly with Kenyan law. Speaking on August 1, 2026, at his Wanunyoro home in Nyeri County, Gachagua raised concerns about potential misuse of currency printing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He challenged President William Ruto to publicly dispel fears that the recent acquisition of De La Rue by Monarch Capital Limited could be exploited to print excess money for political gain. "We want William Ruto to assure Kenyans that the purchase of De La Rue is not intended to print money to bribe voters or cause inflation that could destabilize our economy," Gachagua said.
Addressing the CBK Governor Kamau Thugge, Gachagua appealed for vigilance in safeguarding the monetary system. "The Central Bank must not allow currency to be printed outside the legal framework," he emphasized.
While Gachagua did not present evidence of any plans to print illicit currency, his remarks come shortly after the Competition Authority of Kenya approved Monarch Capital Limited's full acquisition of De La Rue Currency and Security Print (K) Ltd. This marked De La Rue's complete exit from Kenya’s security printing sector following its withdrawal from banknote printing in 2023.
Background on De La Rue
De La Rue, a British firm with decades of presence in Kenya, has been a leading producer of banknotes, passports, and other secure documents globally. Despite its exit from Kenyan banknote printing, the company maintained other operations until recently.
The recent acquisition by Monarch Capital has sparked public interest regarding the future of Kenya's currency printing. However, the authority to issue currency and regulate money supply remains solely with the Central Bank of Kenya, which bases decisions on economic needs rather than private ownership changes.
