Stabex Chairman Jackson Chebett Sues Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for Defamation Over Fuel Deal Claims
Jackson Chebett, the chairman and majority shareholder of Stabex International Limited, has filed a defamation lawsuit against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
The case, filed at the Milimani Commercial Courts in Nairobi on April 17, 2026, also involves Stabex International Limited and Ultra Eureka Limited as plaintiffs. Chebett accuses Gachagua of making false and damaging statements that wrongly linked him and his companies to the recent controversy surrounding government-to-government fuel importation deals. These remarks, according to the suit, have harmed their reputation and business interests both in Kenya and abroad.
In the legal documents, Chebett firmly denies any involvement in the government-to-government petroleum supply framework. He states that his firm has no connection to the controversial fuel arrangements that have drawn public attention in recent weeks. Additionally, Chebett emphasizes that he has no personal or business links to President William Ruto. The suit claims that Gachagua’s public comments suggested Chebett and his companies acted as proxies for powerful political interests and benefited improperly from fuel deals, including allegations of irregular property acquisitions.
Chebett had earlier sent a formal demand letter to Gachagua on April 9, 2026, asking him to retract the statements and issue a public apology. When no response or correction came, the businessman decided to seek legal redress. The plaintiffs argue that the remarks reached millions of people through various media channels, causing significant damage to their standing in the business community. They are seeking compensation for the harm suffered as a result of what they describe as unfounded accusations.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing public debate about fuel prices and petroleum importation practices in the country. As the case proceeds through the courts, it will likely draw attention to questions of accountability in public statements made by political figures. Many observers will watch closely to see how the matter unfolds and what it means for relations between business leaders and former government officials amid broader discussions on economic transparency.
