DCI Wants Politicians Allied To Gachagua And His Aides Charged For Planning, Financing Chaos During Gen-Z Protests

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended charges against two Nairobi MPs and three others all allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after an inquiry into their alleged role in planning, mobilizing, and financing anti-government protests across the country in June 2024.

In a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), DCI’s Abdallah Komesha said investigations established that Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi, also known as Mejja Donk, and Embakasi North MP James Mwangi Gakuya participated in meetings at a Nairobi hotel where the protests were allegedly orchestrated.

The MPs were summoned for questioning on July 31, 2024, and although they recorded statements, the DCI says they allegedly refused to hand over their mobile phones for forensic examination.

The DCI is now seeking to charge Mwangi, Gakuya, George Theuri (former Embakasi West MP), Martin Ngunjiru Wambugu (former Nyeri Town MP), and Pius G. Munene with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code.

The investigative agency also recommends charges of soliciting or inciting others to commit an offense, conspiracy to commit a felony, and money laundering against Mwangi.

“Efforts are being made to obtain all financial data from FRC, Safaricom and banks where financial transactions were carried out,” said the DCI.

The ODPP is analyzing the file before he decides on the matter, officials said.

It comes in the wake of alleged plans to impeach the DP over among others violations of the laws.

He has denied the claims on his aides and allies and termed it a political betrayal.

President William Ruto had previously termed the Gen Z-led demos as a peaceful process that had been hijacked by organised criminals, promising to bring the financiers to book.

Police are investigating their alleged role in financing the violent protests and looting of businesses in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.

Police claim the individuals organized goons who raided shops and other premises to loot as Gen Z staged protests in the city.

Dozens of people who participated in the protests, especially on June 25 have been charged with various charges.

The protests were initially peaceful before goons invaded and started to loot property.

The mainly Gen-Z-led demonstrations took the government by surprise, with President William Ruto declining to sign the bill.

Discontent over the already high cost of living spiralled into nationwide protests, sparked by proposed tax hikes in the annual finance bill, which was however rejected.

Protest organizers called for the police to be held accountable for the shooting incidents.

More than 60 people were killed and 400 wounded in the chaos.