Digital strategist and political blogger, Pauline Njoroge, has leveled allegations against detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), claiming that they illicitly withdrew Ksh 302,000 from her account during her arrest.
On the 22nd of July, Pauline Njoroge found herself in custody, caught up in the government’s pursuit of opposition figures and their associates.
Alongside her, Jane Nduta and taxi driver Emanze Jilani were also apprehended on Watamu-Jakaranda road.
As her case was deliberated on Monday, August 14, with the objective of deciding whether to charge her or close the case, a troubling issue came to light.
Njoroge raised concerns about her missing funds. To be precise, a sum of KSh 302,842 had been withdrawn from her bank account without authorization.
Njoroge’s legal representatives made it known to the Malindi Chief Magistrates Court that only DCI officers had access to her accounts prior to this incident.
In an official statement from the court papers, Njoroge’s defense stated, “The defense informed the court to put on record that on 03/08/2023 at 19:05:03 hrs there was theft of Kshs. 302,842.00 from VISA bank account of Pauline Njoroge Njoki.
Consequently the defense also applied that investigation be done by DCI alongside the current investigation and a report be filed in court on the grounds that; before the theft, the DCI officers were the only third parties who had actual possession and access to the said Bank Cards before the theft.”
In response to these developments, the prosecuting counsel indicated that they would consult with the investigating officer before reaching a conclusive decision on the two orders put forth.
Njoroge’s case is scheduled for another mention on Friday, August 18. During this proceeding, the court will address the release of her personal device and will also seek the DPP’s response concerning the missing funds.
