Controversial land dealer and self-proclaimed bishop David Kariuki Ngare widely known as Gakuyo will be a guest of the state for a period of four more days after the prosecution applied to detain him longer to complete Sh1billion fraud case against him.
Yesterday, the state filed an application seeking extended detention of the controversial televangelist and Ekeza Sacco founder to conclude a probe on alleged Sh1billion fraud.
Gakuyo who was arrested on Wednesday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was presented before a Magistrate Court at the Milimani Laws Courts in Nairobi on Thursday.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said it was investigating a conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretences, stealing, and money laundering involving over Sh1billion.
DCI sought four additional days to complete its investigation.
Bernard Gikandii a DCI officer who appeared in court said investigations were at an advanced stage.
“We are likely to have him charged in several cases including more than 50,000 victims spread all over the country,” he said.
DCI asked the court to grant its request to detain Gakuyo at the Muthaiga Police Station.
Gikandii defended DCI’s decision to intercept Gakuyo on his way to Zambia citing a public outcry by victims of his alleged activities.
He further cited the risk of interference in ongoing investigations by contacting crucial witnesses to conceal key documents.
Gakuyo will now spend the night at the Muthaiga police cells awaiting today’s court’s ruling whether to be freed or detained as per DCI’s request.
Gikandi told Senior Resident Magistrate Geofrey Onsarigo that the accused swindled billions of shillings from members using his three Investment companies Ekeza Sacco, Gakuyo Real Estate and Gakuyo Investors Club.
Investigating officers believe he was running away to avoid being arrested and charged.
Sentiments that received very strong objections by a battery of lawyers representing Gakuyo urging the court to dismiss the DCI request arguing it lacks merit.
