Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Protests in Karatina over the arrest of MP Rigathi Gachagua

Karatina

Police clear a section of the Nyeri-Nairobi highway that was blocked by protesting youths on July 23, 2021.

Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group

Young people protesting the arrest of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua on Friday blocked parts of the Nyeri-Nairobi highway.

Riots break out in Karatina, roads temporarily blocked over Gachagua's arrest

Anti-riot police officers were deployed to quell the protest. 

Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group

Mr Gachagua was seized on Friday morning by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and transported to Nairobi.

"As predicted two dozens of DCI officers raided my Nyeri home and arrested me to face trumped-up charges of money laundering.  I am being driven to Nairobi at reckless speed to spend the weekend in the cells," the MP posted on his social media page. 

Rigathi protests

Anti-riot police in Giagachika along the Nyeri-Nairobi highway on July 23, 2021.

Photo credit: Nicholas Komu | Nation Media Group
Protest in Karatina over the arrest of MP Rigathi Gachagua

Last month, detectives said they have finalised investigation into tenders involving companies associated with Mr Gachagua, putting the legislator in trouble over Sh12 billion said to have passed through his accounts.

The number of companies associated with the MP’s transactions, and those of his proxies, have now reached 40, revealing what seems to be a complex web of transfers.

Most of the transfers end up in a company known as Wamunyoro Investments Limited, where Mr Gachagua and his wife, pastor Dorcas Wanjiku, are the only shareholders.

“We have completed that investigation and it has taken us a lot of time,” said Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, without revealing his next move.