Court to rule on Gakuyo's detention Friday

They also denied claims that Gakuyo is likely to interfere with the ongoing probe.

In Summary
  • In the meantime, Milimani Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo detained Gakuya at Muthaiga pending the ruling.
  • His defense counsels led by Ndegwa Njiru and Danstan Omari were opposed to the request by the DCI saying they have been investigating the matter for the last five years and their client has always been available to investigators during the period.
Televangelist and Ekeza Sacco founder David Kariuki Ngare, alias Gakuyo arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on February 22, 2024./DOUGLAS OKIDDY
Televangelist and Ekeza Sacco founder David Kariuki Ngare, alias Gakuyo arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on February 22, 2024./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

A magistrates court will Friday give a ruling on whether Televangelist David Gakuyo will be held for four days pending further probe into allegations of embezzling sh1 billion from members of his Ekeza Sacco.

In the meantime, Milimani Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo detained Gakuya at Muthaiga pending the ruling.

His defense counsels led by Ndegwa Njiru and Danstan Omari were opposed to the request by the DCI saying they have been investigating the matter for the last five years and their client has always been available to investigators during the period.

They also denied claims that Gakuyo is likely to interfere with the ongoing probe.

Some members of his church and those believed to be victims of the alleged fraud thronged the courtroom following the proceedings.

The Televangelist was arraigned in court early morning after he was arrested at JKIA on February 21, while on transit to Zambia.

The police sought to detain him for four days and said they were investigating a case of conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretenses, stealing and money laundering involving over sh 1billion.

In an affidavit, Bernard Gikandii an officer attached at DCI says the investigations are at an advanced stage.

"We are likely to have him charged in several cases including over 50,000 victims spread all over the country," says the officer.

They want the court to issue an order and have him detained at Muthaiga police station for four days pending further probe into the matter.

Gikandii has cited the public outcry from his victims and other affected persons over the funds lost or allegedly stolen by Gakuya and companies associated with him.

He is convinced that Gakuya is likely to interfere with the ongoing investigations including contacting critical witnesses and concealing material documents necessary and relevant to the probe.

Gakuyo was arrested by police as he was on his out of the country on Wednesday.

Gakuyo after their arrest blamed unknown political leaders for trying to revenge on him.

He said in a video his trip was cut short by detectives who apprehended him at the airport.

“They say I cannot leave the country. I’m at JKIA. I just think there is some revenge somewhere. I’m happy I might get an opportunity to see the judge and be told what case I have. Right now I’m at the DCI airport,” Gakuyo says in the video.

Gakuyo has been on police radar over allegations of embezzling over Sh1 billion from members of his Ekeza Sacco.

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