A senior investigating officer in a case in which Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is accused of embezzling Sh7.3bn now says that he was pushed by former DCI boss George Kinoti to have the charges pressed against the former Mathira MP.
In a sworn affidavit dated October 13, Kuriah Obadiah stated that they never had adequate time to investigate the matter and establish the truth regarding the embezzlement of funds at the National Irrigation Board.
In the case, Gachagua is charged among 9 others.
The 9 are William Wahome Mwangi, Grace Wambui Kariuki, Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Wambui Ndigiriri, David Reuben Nyangi Nguru, Anne Nduta Ruo, Julianne Jahenda Makaa, Samuel Murimi Ireri and M/S Rapid Medical Supplies Ltd.
In the affidavit, he said he received directives from the DCI boss to "promptly carry out investigations, including recording of statements, searches, filing of affidavits in court for orders to access the accused persons' bank accounts among other activities".
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This after the DCI received a letter from the Financial Reporting Centre on April 15, 2020, that detailed the alleged embezzlement of funds at the Irrigation board.
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Kuriah said they were tasked with delivering the outcome of their investigations quickly.
"While investigations were still in progress, the director of DCI, Mr George Kinoti CBS, directed us to make recommendations that will enable the accused persons to face charges," he said.
He added:
"Based on immense pressure from my director, Mr Kinoti, my team made the recommendations. The accused persons were charged, and investigations could not continue as contemplated for various reasons."
Kuriah said some crucial areas of investigation that would have shed light in determining the innocence or otherwise of the accused persons were not covered.
And as such, the DCI officer asked the court for the withdrawal of the case to allow the matter to be investigated fully.
