The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has given the green light to charge five individuals linked to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for their alleged involvement in organizing and funding anti-government protests that took place in June. The protests, primarily youth-led, expressed growing discontent with government policies.
In a letter dated September 26, 2024, addressed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Amin Mohamed, the DPP stated that after a thorough review of the evidence, there was enough to charge the suspects with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393 of the Penal Code.
Additionally, the DPP directed the DCI to open a separate inquiry file to investigate possible money laundering and financial crimes connected to the accused. This further expands the scope of the charges, suggesting financial misconduct beyond the protests themselves.
Among those facing charges are Members of Parliament Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi (Embakasi Central) and James Mwangi Gakuya (Embakasi North), alongside close allies of Gachagua, including George Theuri, Ngunjiri Wambugu, and Pius G. Munene.
The charges for conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393 of the Penal Code are the most prominent. However, Benjamin Mwangi is also being accused of incitement under Section 391 of the Penal Code, as well as money laundering under Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
These developments mark a significant move in the government’s response to the growing unrest, particularly targeting those with political influence in connection to the protests. If convicted, the accused could face serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential prison time. This case is likely to generate further political tension as it unfolds, given the high-profile nature of those involved.
