Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe Ekeza Sacco officials over allegations of misappropriating Ksh.1.5 billion from members' funds. The government has vowed to take action against those exploiting savings and credit institutions, according to Matiang’i.
The controversy centers on televangelist David Kariuki Ngare, known as Gakuyo, who is accused of diverting 78,000 members' savings into personal accounts. This follows the government revoking Ekeza Sacco's license last year due to its association with Gakuyo Real Estate Company, which shared office space and bank accounts with the cooperative.
Gakuyo previously attempted to sell multiple properties tied to his real estate firm, including Lillies Hotel in Juja, Salama House in Garissa, and 250 acres of land in Machakos. The sale was halted after a cooperative commissioner intervened. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 7, 2019.