Mother of NYS graft suspect loses bid to keep vehicle

Businessman Ben Gethi, who is linked to the Sh791 million loss at the National Youth Service on October 4, 2016 at Parliament Buildings. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The High Court was also informed that Ms Gethi and others are already facing criminal charges of money laundering before a magistrate’s court.

The mother of one of the key suspects in the Sh791 million National Youth Service scandal has lost a bid to retain a vehicle allegedly bought using the stolen funds.

High Court Judge Hedwig Ong’udi, of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division, on Thursday ruled that the Asset Recovery Agency is allowed by the law to detain the property while forensic investigations are ongoing.

Ms Charity Wangui Gethi, through her lawyer, had submitted that her right to property had been violated by the agency and that the vehicle should be returned to her.

She is the mother of businessman Ben Gethi.

The agency had told the court that their investigations had revealed that the vehicle was bought using money stolen through the fraudulent transactions.

However, Justice Ong’udi said besides stating that she was not involved in the scandal, Ms Gethi failed to explain how she bought the vehicle.

“Yes it’s her property but how did she acquire it? She has not mentioned anything about the acquisition,” Justice Ong’udi said.

The judge explained that the agency, through their forensic investigations, believe that the vehicle was bought using stolen money adding that until that issue is determined by the trial court, she could not claim an absolute right over it.

The High Court was also informed that Ms Gethi and others are already facing criminal charges of money laundering before a magistrate’s court.

“The trial court will hear her and the others and make a determination,” Justice Ong’udi said.