Controversial televangelist David Kariuki, the man who Commissioner of Cooperatives indicted for allegedly siphoning Sh1 billion saved by over 78,000 members at his Ekeza Sacco and used it to spruce up his lifestyle, is still under investigation by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The DCI head of investigations John Kariuki told People Daily that Kariuki, popularly known as Gakuyo, was still on their radar, saying that investigations are active and will culminate in prosecution.
“The matter has been under serious investigation and the file has either been forwarded to the DPP (for directions) or the investigations are almost complete,” Kariuki said in what could mean that the “Man of God” should not sit pretty.
Members of Ekeza Sacco have continued to question the fate of their savings and status of a “spirited” probe launched by the DCI early this year when thousands of them were asked to record statements.
An audit by Commissioner of Cooperatives revealed that Sh1.5 billion was unlawfully transferred to Mr Kariuki, part of which he used to by a Sh250 million home in Nyari Estate, Gakuyo Real Estate accounts, lawyers and vendors of land sold to Gakuyo Real Estate.
However, only Sh500 million was traced to members who took loans from Ekeza to acquire properties, and aggrieved members have questioned why the bishop has been roaming freely since majority of them are yet to get their money back.
Early this year, Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya filed a formal complaint to the DCI seeking a probe on Gakuyo while his Interior counterpart instructed police to speed up arrests against him and other officials of the Sacco but it appears that very little came out of it.
“It is true, there is nothing to hide…we are hot in trail of officials of Ekeza and the others. We will have no mercy…we have agreed with the inspector general (of police) to go after these people and take them before the law,” said Mr Matiang’I who spoke in March during the Police Sacco’s AGM in Nairobi.
He had earlier given a payment deadline of June 13, but only a section of those with savings of Sh5, 000 and below was paid.
