The State, through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), is seeking four days to detain controversial televangelist David Kariuki Ngare alias Gakuyo on allegations of defrauding Kenyans of Ksh.1 billion.
Gakuyo is accused of robbing members of four investment groups he founded, namely; Ekeza Sacco Society Limited, Gakuyo Real Estate Limited, and Gakuyo Investors Club
He was arraigned on Thursday before Milimani Law Courts Chief Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, with the prosecution alleging witness interference if the suspect is released.
“The Prosecution led by Vera Omollo, Henry Kinyanjui, and Anne Pertet filed an application to have him detained for 4 days to allow investigation officers to complete their investigations,” the ODPP said in a statement.
“Prosecution argued that the accused person could likely interfere with witnesses and that he is also a flight risk noting that he was arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport enroute to Zambia.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in its affidavit, also backed the 4-day detention period saying the probe is at an advanced stage.
The court ordered for Gakuyo to be held at the Muthaiga Police Station until Friday when it will rule on the application by the prosecution.
Gakuyo was arrested on Wednesday at the JKIA by DCI detectives while travelling to Zambia.
