Gachagua skips Sh7.4billion graft court case to attend brother’s burial
Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) Rigathi Gachagua has articulated that his failure to appear in the mention of his Sh7.4 billion graft case was for the reason that he lost his brother and he had to attend the burial which was due.
The Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential running mate nominee failed to attend the mention of the said graft case at Milimani Law Courts.
Through his lawyer Gibson Kimani, Gachagua told the Anti-Corruption Court magistrate Victor Wakumile that the deceased, James Reriani Gachagua, was being buried today.
Kimani presented a copy of the burial permit of the death and funeral advertisement to vindicate the absenteeism of his client.
“My client lost his brother and the burial is scheduled to happen today hence the reason why he is absent in court,” lawyer Kimani said.
Justice Wakumile acknowledged the justification and directed advocates and the prosecution team to prepare for the hearing which is expected to kick off on September 5.
The fiery politician has been on record dismissing the allegations as a far-fetched political witch-hunt despite having been charged in court and active court cases going on in the corridors of justice.
The MP is defending himself in court against allegations of fraudulent purchase of public property and money laundering totalling Sh7.4 billion through three Rafiki Micro-Finance Bank accounts.
Rafiki Microfinance Bank Limited asked the court to enjoin it in the case, so it can argue its case in defence of Gachagua and his business associate Anne Kimemia trading as Jenne Enterprises Ltd.
Through lawyer Henry Macharia, the bank says it stands to lose Sh170 million should the court allow the application by Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) to have the money in Gachagua’s account forfeited to the state and wants to be enjoined in the case as an interested party.
The six counts facing the MP include conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of public property, conflict of interest, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime. He has denied all six counts.
Others also charged are Mathira CDF manager William Mwangi Wahome, Ann Nduta Ruo, Jullianne Jahenda Makaa and Samuel Murimi Ireri.
