Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

A Sh7.4 billion graft case involving deputy president Rigathi Gachagua that had been scheduled for hearing on Monday morning has been adjourned by a magistrate court following an application by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that seeks to review the matter.

Gachagua faces six counts of economic crimes, including conspiracy to commit a corruption offense, money laundering, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

He is accused of fraudulently receiving Sh7 billion through three different bank accounts in his name at Rafiki Microfinance Bank. He allegedly received the property between 2013 and 2020 in Nairobi while knowing that it formed part of the proceeds of crimes.

Senior principal prosecution counsel Vera Hamisi said the matter was being reviewed after they received a number of letters from the accused persons. She also mentioned that although “the matter has been listed as a hearing, they were to report to the court to indicate whether we have reviewed the evidence that is available”.

She told Magistrate Victor Wakumile that they need at least three weeks thereafter they will be able to inform the court of their position. She told Magistrate Victor Wakumile that they need at least three weeks thereafter they will be able to inform the court of their position.

Gachagua graft case adjourned

The case has been adjourned to November 21.

On the charge of conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, the deputy president is charged alongside William Wahome, Anne Ruo, Julianne Makaa, Samuel Ireri, Grace Wambui, Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Wambui, David Nyangi and M/S Rapid Medical Supplies Limited.

Last week the Director of public Prosecutions (DPP), Nordic Haji  withdrew various high-level graft cases involving politicians aligned to President Ruto. These include a Sh400M graft case against former Kenya Power MD Ben Chumo, a 19M graft case against former Malindi Member of parliament Aisha Jumwa. Aisha Jumwa and Sh80m graft case against former Samburu, Governor Moses Lenolkula.

If you are interested in this subject matter, consider reading:

‘Alarm as DPP drops high profile graft cases’

Also, for an update on this story, read:

‘DP Gachagua forced to hand back Ksh 200 million’