Gakuyo to remain in remand after failing to meet Sh20m bond terms
Controversial Bishop David Kariuki Ngare alias Gakuyo (pictured) will remain in remand after failing to raise the Sh20 million bond or the alternative of Sh10 million cash bail.
Gakuyo has been incarcerated at the Industrial Area Remand prison since last month when he was arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as he attempted to board a plane to Zambia for an undisclosed business.
When he appeared before the Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi last week, the court declined to review the bond terms downwards saying they were commensurate with the Sh1.2 billion he is accused of defrauding over 50,000 people who gave their money to invest in income generating project including development of real estate.
Witness statements
State prosecutor Alice Mathangani asked the court to allow her one month to enable the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to supply Gakuyo with witness statements.
“Your honour, the DPP has not supplied the accused with witness statements and exhibits. They are running into thousands of papers. We need a month to sample them then furnish the accused,” Mathangani told to the court.
The DPP had earlier opposed the plea to review the bond saying it is commensurate with the amounted entrusted to the “Man of God” by members of the public.
Defence lawyer Daniel Wangenye did not oppose the adjournment plea.
Ekhubi granted the DPP’s request for one month to furnish Gakuyo with the witness statements and fixed the case for further directions on April 4 2024.
Gakuyo has denied the twelve counts.
