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DPP Haji speaks on MP Gachagua’s corruption case, says they are ready with evidence

Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 10:19 | By
Gachagua in court
Then Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua being escorted by police officers to Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on July 26, 2021. PD/file

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji says there is enough evidence to prove Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua swindled money meant for development at his constituency.

Speaking to local television on Monday, July 26, Haji said he is satisfied with the information provided by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti regarding MP Gachagua’s corruption case.

“To be honest, in this case involving Honorable Gachagua, we are convinced that the evidence provided by DCI Kinoti is sufficient and that is why the case is in court. We are confident that we will prove before the court that the MP swindled money from his constituency,” Haji said.

He also defended his office against political attacks that have been directed at his office when prosecuting corruption cases.

According to Haji, his office does not investigate cases but relies on evidence brought before it by the DCI.

He says his work is simply to determine whether the evidence provided is convincing enough to take the accused to court.

“We have been blamed by several people. As a person, I have faced lots of accusations. When we handle a case of someone from a particular political side, we are attacked by that side. But our work is that when we receive a criminal file, we assess and determine whether the evidence is sufficient for prosecution,” he said.

“As public prosecutors, our work is not to investigate but just to assess the file we have received is fit to take someone to court,” he added.

His statement came hours after Gachagua was released from police custody after paying Ksh12 million cash bail.

Anti-corruption court Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi released the MP on Ksh12m bail or Ksh25m bond.

When appearing in court, MP Rigathi denied charges of fraudulent acquisition of public property, money laundering, conflict of interest and conspiracy to defraud Nyeri County government Sh27 million.

The offences are alleged to have been committed in 2013 and 2020. In the case, Gachagua was charged alongside nine others who are not in court.

His arrest saw a section of leaders from the Tanga Tanga side claim charges facing the MP were politically instigated.

Deputy President William Ruto spoke on the case and said the MP was arrested because he is his political ally.

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