Popular televangelist David Kariuki Ngare, also known as Gakuyo, has claimed that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
In a video recorded on Wednesday, February 21, Gakuyo, the founder of the controversial Ekeza Sacco, narrated his ordeal while detained by the detectives at JKIA. He stated that he was planning to leave the country when the detectives intercepted him and prevented him from catching his flight.
“I’m at JKIA. I just think there is some revenge somewhere. I’m happy I might get an opportunity to see the judge and be told on what case I have. Right now I’m at the DCI airport,” Gakuyo said in the video, expressing uncertainty about the motive behind his arrest but suggesting it could be linked to a political witch hunt.
Gakuyo, who unsuccessfully contested the Thika Town MP seat in the 2022 elections, has been under scrutiny by the police over allegations of embezzling over Ksh1 billion from members of his Ekeza Sacco.
The Ministry of Trade filed a complaint at the DCI headquarters, prompting investigations into the scandal affecting 78,000 Ekeza Sacco members.
An audit by the Commissioner of Co-operatives’ office implicated Gakuyo in irregular withdrawals of more than Ksh1 billion from the Sacco, part of which he allegedly used to purchase a luxurious residence at the Nyari estate and fund his real estate firm.
These withdrawals led to protests from members demanding refunds, with some even camping outside the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road in 2019.
In response, Gakuyo hinted at selling his properties, including hotels and parcels of land, to reimburse the aggrieved members. Despite maintaining his innocence, he is facing a prolonged legal battle.
In January 2020, the Sacco began repaying some victims, prioritizing those who had deposited Ksh5,000 and below, with repayments conducted in phases. By August 2023, Gakuyo disclosed that the Sacco had repaid Ksh800 million in cash and assets, while those yet to receive funds would be compensated with land.
