By Antynet Ford
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended the charging of five politicians over their involvement in the anti-government protest that led to the occupying of parliament on June 25, 2024.
The DCI stated that the five allegedly played a role in planning, mobilizing, and financing the youth-led protests.
In a letter dated September 26, 2024, the Directorate of Public Prosecution said they received intelligence reports linking Embakasi North (James Mwangi Gakuya and Embakasi Central )(Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi)Members of Parliament and others of their meeting that took place at Boulevard Hotel in Nairobi.
The DCI revealed that the two appeared before them in a summon in July but did not surrender their phones for forensic examination.
“The two members of parliament were summoned on 31st July 2024 and their statements were recorded. However, they declined to hand over their mobile phones for forensic examination.” The DCI stated.
DCI wants Mwangi, Gakuya, George Theuri (MP Embakasi West), Martin Deric Ngunjiri Wambugu ( Former Nyeri MP) and Pius G. Munene charged with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code.
Additionally, it wants Mwangi charged with soliciting or inciting others to commit an offence 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.
The director of investigations Abdallah Komesha said efforts are made to obtain all financial data from the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Safaricom, and banks where the purported financial transactions were carried out.
The ODPP is currently reviewing the case file and is expected to make a decision soon. June and July saw several counties across Kenya participate in anti-government protests.