The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an inquiry into the alleged planning, mobilizing, and financing of violent protests witnessed across the country earlier this year.
The investigation, according to an official statement, centers around “allegations of planning, mobilizing, and financing of violent protests that were witnessed in the country on 25th June 2024 and subsequent days.”
In a letter addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the DCI revealed that two Members of Parliament, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi (alias Mejja Donk), representing Embakasi Central, and Hon. James Mwangi Gakuya of Embakasi North, were implicated in the violent demonstrations. The document states, “Hon. Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi and Hon. James Mwangi Gakuya, among others, were implicated following several meetings that took place at Hotel Boulevard within Nairobi.”
The DCI noted that the two MPs were summoned on 31st July 2024, where they recorded their statements and handed over their mobile phones for forensic examination. The report further mentions that the inquiry is part of a larger investigation into conspiracy, citing “conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code and soliciting or inciting others to commit offenses contrary to Section 391.”
Efforts are currently underway to retrieve financial data from the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Safaricom, and banks where the transactions related to the protests were carried out. According to the DCI, “Efforts are being made to obtain all financial data from FRC, Safaricom, and banks where financial transactions were carried out.”
In the recommendations, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi faces charges of soliciting or inciting others to commit an offense, as stated under Section 391 of the Penal Code. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393, alongside Hon. James Mwangi Gakuya, Hon. George Theuri, Hon. Martin Deric Ngunjiri Wambugu, and Mr. Pius G. Munene. Additionally, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi faces charges of money laundering contrary to Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
