Embakasi North MP James Gakuya charged over mismanagement of CDF funds

Embakasi North MP James Mwangi Gakuya and eight other Constituency Development Fund (CDF) officials from the constituency were on Thursday arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court over alleged mismanagement of public funds.

Appearing before Magistrate Felix Komba, the MP and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charges of mismanagement and embezzlement of Ksh. 39.8 million.

They were each released on a Ksh.2 million cash bail or Ksh.5 million bond with a surety of similar amount after the court declined the prosecution’s plea to have the accused denied bail.

The court, however, directed each accused person to deposit their passports in court, and those who hold public office to stay away from the work place until the matter is heard and determined.

The prosecutor had asked the court to deny the accused bond or bail arguing that the charges were serious and that the accused could interfere with the witnesses if granted bond.

Gakuya and the CDF officials were also charged with fraudulent acquisition of public property, conflict of interest, conspiracy to defraud and willful failure to adhere to procurement and disposal laws.

The member of parliament was arrested on Wednesday by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).