While addressing the media, Gachagua claimed he had received information suggesting that President Ruto and his alleged business partners used profits from rising fuel prices to purchase Tullow Oil operations in Turkana for 120 million US dollars—an amount he estimated at approximately KSh 15.6 billion.
According to Gachagua, the alleged deal explains why fuel prices have continued to rise, saying the increases were designed to create more profit that could support the acquisition.
“I have received information that this profit that the President and his partners are making from increased fuel prices has been used to purchase Tullow Oil in Turkana at USD 120 million and that is approximately 15.6 billion Kenyan Shillings,” Gachagua stated.
He further alleged that Gulf Energy had created what he described as a fake debt arrangement involving the previous owners of the Turkana oil project.
According to him, this structure was intended to benefit those behind the transaction while reducing the actual gains that would go to the Kenyan people.
Gachagua explained that under the alleged arrangement, when the oil reaches the market, one barrel would sell for 100 dollars, but 85 dollars would allegedly be directed toward servicing these supposed debts.
He claimed that only 15 dollars would remain, with the national government taking 60 percent and the Turkana County government receiving 40 percent of that balance.
According to him, this would leave local communities with very little benefit from the country’s own natural resources.
The remarks have triggered strong reactions among Kenyans, especially at a time when fuel prices and the cost of living remain major national concerns.
Supporters of Gachagua say the claims raise important questions about transparency and public accountability in the energy sector.
However, critics argue that such serious accusations require solid evidence and official investigation rather than political statements made in public forums.
So far, President Ruto and State House have not issued an official response to the allegations. Tullow Oil has also not publicly addressed the claims.