DPP seeks 14 days to detain MP Gitonga Mukunji over alleged protest financing

Manyatta Member of Parliament John Gitonga Mwaniki Mukunji will remain in custody at Muthaiga Police Station until Tuesday next week when the Kahawa chief magistrate’s court is expected to rule on his bail application.

This comes as prosecutors filed a request to detain the legislator and two co-accused for 14 days, citing ongoing investigations into allegations of terror financing and organizing violence during the recent ‘Saba Saba’ protests.

The application, filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), seeks to hold Mukunji alongside journalist James Ikuwa Mbochi of Inooro Radio and boda boda operator Stanley Mbuthia Wanjiru. The trio was arraigned before the Kahawa law courts on Monday.

According to affidavits presented in court, Chief Inspector Desterio Omukaga from the DCI’s Serious Crimes Unit alleged that MP Mukunji was arrested on July 7 while driving an unidentified black Range Rover Sport in the Toll area of Juja, in violation of traffic laws.

During the arrest, detectives reportedly recovered a handwritten diary labelled “KYPA,” believed to contain payment records to individuals allegedly involved in arson, attacks on police officers, and destruction of property.

One entry allegedly referenced payments to Evans Ngare Njiru, alias Balala — a suspect wanted in connection with multiple violent incidents.

The prosecution told the court that investigations are far from complete, with witness statements, phone forensics, CCTV analysis, and financial record reviews still pending.

DPP argued that releasing the suspects at this stage could interfere with the ongoing probe.

The court is set to deliver a ruling on the detention application on Tuesday next week.