By Andrew Kariuki
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been sued for defamation over remarks allegedly linking Stabex International Limited and other private entities to irregular petroleum dealings.
In a case filed before the High Court, Jackson Kiplimo, the chairman of Stabex International Limited, alongside two associated companies, is seeking damages, arguing that statements made by Gachagua were false, malicious and harmful to their reputation.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs accuse Gachagua of making public remarks alleging that Stabex and Gulf Energy were being used as proxies in a government-to-government petroleum procurement arrangement linked to President William Ruto.
The suit cites statements allegedly made on April 5, 2026, at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Kiambu, where Gachagua is said to have claimed that the President was conducting petroleum business through the two companies and had generated profits exceeding Ksh1.5 trillion since taking office.
“The statements are completely false. The 1st plaintiff (Stabex) has no involvement whatsoever in the G2G framework, no proxy relationship with the President, and no illicit dealings,” the court documents state.
The plaintiffs further allege that Gachagua acted with malice and reckless disregard for the truth.
“The defendant acted in actual malice, political jealousy and reckless disregard for the truth. He failed to verify any facts, ignored public records and deliberately chose inflammatory language to incite public outrage for political gain,” the filing reads.
Gachagua is also accused of alleging that senior officials at institutions including the Kenya Pipeline Company and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority orchestrated parallel fuel importation deals without the President’s knowledge.
The plaintiffs argue that the remarks portrayed them as participants in unlawful activities, thereby damaging their reputation, credibility and business standing.
They maintain that the claims are entirely false, stating that Stabex has no role in the G2G petroleum procurement framework and operates as a legitimate oil marketing firm with operations across East Africa.
Kiplimo has also denied any proxy relationship with President Ruto or any other individual.
Court documents indicate that the plaintiffs issued a demand letter to Gachagua on April 9, 2026, seeking a public retraction and unconditional apology, but claim he has failed to comply.
They are now seeking general and exemplary damages, as well as a permanent injunction to restrain Gachagua from publishing or repeating the alleged defamatory statements.
