The Ministry of Trade has initiated a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against televangelist David Ngare Kariuki, known as Gakuyo, over alleged misappropriation of Sh1 billion from the Ekeza Sacco. The complaint centers on an audit linking Gakuyo to irregular withdrawals exceeding Sh1.5 billion from the cooperative, including funds used to purchase a Nyari estate residence and finance his real estate firm.
Gakuyo voluntarily reported to DCI offices on March 7, 2019, accompanied by six lawyers led by Dunstan Omari. While no formal complaint had been lodged at the time, the Ministry of Trade's submission prompted an investigation. Omari stated the preacher appeared to address rumors of a warrant, emphasizing that no charges had been filed yet.
According to the audit by the Commissioner of Co-operatives, Sh1.419 billion was illicitly transferred from Ekeza Sacco's Equity Bank account between 2015 and 2017. These included Sh88 million in 2015, Sh850 million in 2016, Sh454 million in 2017, and Sh27 million in 2018. The funds were allegedly directed to Gakuyo Real Estate, where he serves as managing director, and his wife Hannah Wachu as co-director, via sacco officials James Wanjuu and Gladys Muriithi.
