ODPP flags fake post recommending charges against Gachagua allies
The Office Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has flagged a social media post claiming the approval of charges against three Nairobi Members of Parliament and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi’s son, Leslie, as fake.
The post claimed that the ODPP had approved charges against Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, Embakasi North MP James Gakuru, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, and Leslie Muturi.
“Fake News,” the DPP responded on the social handles.
“Following the communication dated September 24, 2024, investigations into the violent protest of June 25 have been completed, I am satisfied with sufficient evidence that Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, Embakasi North MP James Gakuru, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, and Leslie Muturi committed an offense of conspiracy to commit a felony, money laundering and financial crimes,” the fake post stated.
In September last year, the DCI recommended charges against Gathiru and Gakuya over alleged involvement in planning and financing anti-government protests.
In a letter to the DPP, the DCI recommended that Gathiru be charged with incitement to commit an offense, conspiracy to commit a felony, and money laundering.
On the other hand, the directorate recommended that Gakuya be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, in violation of Section 393 of the Penal Code.
According to the DCI, the two lawmakers were implicated after the DCI director received intelligence reports regarding the planning and financing of the anti-government protests witnessed on June 25, 2024.
The Amin Mohamed-led directorate further stated that the MPs were summoned on July 31 and they recorded statements.
However, DCI disclosed that the two legislators refused to surrender their mobile phones for forensic examination, prompting the directorate to seek alternative measures to access financial information.
