Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has outlined the framework behind his intelligence gathering, emphasizing a network of informants from various government sectors.
In a recent podcast with political analyst Herman Manyora, Gachagua explained that his sources include civil servants, police officers, National Intelligence Service personnel, and employees of state corporations. He stressed the importance of receiving only verifiable information to maintain credibility.
Protecting source confidentiality is key to ensuring a steady flow of reliable intelligence, Gachagua noted. He said:
"I do a lot of cross-checking because the day I mislead Kenyans, I'll lose my credibility."
Gachagua cited his claims about the renewal delay of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) agreement as an example. He recounted how emissaries approached him discreetly, sharing information they deemed in the public interest. After advising them on secure communication, he made the allegations public.
He reiterated accusations that senior government officials sought bribes from British representatives during BATUK negotiations, which the government and MP Nelson Koech, chair of the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, have denied. Koech explained the delay was due to legal concerns regarding troop jurisdiction and immunity.
Despite the controversy, Gachagua stated his motivation is public accountability rather than personal gain:
"If you give me information, it will be in the public domain quickly. I will not use it to extort money or blackmail anybody."
He also highlighted his correct prediction that President William Ruto would unveil a "Vision 2060" development blueprint during the recent State of the Nation Address, underscoring the reliability of his sources.
Gachagua has increasingly used public platforms to share insider information amid tensions with the current administration.
