NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 — The State has filed an application seeking extended detention of controversial televangelist and Ekeza Sacco founder David Kariuki Ngare, alias Gakuyo, to conclude a probe on alleged 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 Sh1 billion.
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.
The court was set to rule on the matter later on Thursday.
