MP Gachagua corruption case starts in September ‘22
The Sh7.4 billion corruption trial against Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua will commence in September, 2022.
The Anti-Corruption Court magistrate Rose Makungu fixed the hearing dates after she was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is yet to furnish Gachagua and nine others with the intended evidence against them.
The MP’s defence complained to the court that seven months after he was charged, the DPP is yet to supply him with all witness’ statements and exhibits intended to be used in the trial to enable him prepare his defence.
“The DPP supplied part of the evidence minus the witness statement of the investigating officer yesterday evening. They have also supplied one of the defence lawyers with an inventory this morning in court,” the MP’s lawyer, Gibson Kimani told the magistrate.
Kimani said they expected statements from 45 witnesses listed to testify against Gachagua and his co-accused.
The defence urged the court to list the case for hearing in September next year because they are appearing in other long trials including the National Youth Service (NYS) cases which have been listed for hearing between January and July next year.
“This matter can only be heard as from September, 2022 which seems to be a free month,” said the magistrate.
The prosecution urged the court to set aside 10 to 14 days to hear the case.
In the case, Gachagua has denied six counts of corruption related charges over Sh7.4 billion.
According to the prosecution, the MP fraudulently acquired Sh7.3 billion between 2013 and 2020 through shady business dealings.
