DPP approves charges against DP Gachagua allies accused of planning, financing anti-govt protests

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has approved charges levelled against five people for their alleged role in planning, mobilizing and financing June’s youth-led anti-government protests.

In a letter dated  September 26, 2024, addressed to the director Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Amin Mohamed, the DPP okayed that the five, who are allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, face the charges.

"Upon careful perusal, the DPP has directed that there is sufficient evidence to charge the suspects with the offence of conspiracy to commit felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal code.

In addition, a separate inquiry file should be opened for money laundering and financial crimes related offenses," reads part of the statement.

This comes as the DCI recommended that the five, among them MPs Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi (Embakasi Central) and James Mwangi Gakuya (Embakasi North), be charged.

Other allies and aides of Gachagua who are implicated are George Theuri, Ngunjiri Wambugu and Pius G. Munene.

This means that Mwangi, Gakuya, Theuri Ngunjiri and Munene will be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code.

Additionally, Mwangi will charged with soliciting or inciting others to commit an offense contrary to section 391 of the Penal Code, as well as money laundering contrary to sections 3, 4 and 7 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.