Gachagua’s political advisor Ngunjiri Wambugu and Counterpart George Theuri
Legal allies related to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have obtained a court order against arrest and prosecution.
This follows allegations of financing demonstrations by the Gen Z protesters that took place last June.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi made the order following a petition by the Gachagua’s political advisor Ngunjiri Wambugu, youth advisor George Theuri and private secretary Pius Mugene.
In his ruling, Justice Mugambi said, “Pending the hearing and determination of this application, the court hereby issued a conservatory order.” This, in effect, bars authorities from arresting or prosecuting the trio.
Judge Mugambi’s verdict barring arrest of Gachagua’s allies
The application targets the Director of Criminal Investigations, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Attorney General as respondents.
Justice Mugambi noted that the matter was urgent and ordered the application to be served on the respondents before the close of business Friday.
Wambugu, Theuri, and Mugene accused the government of malicious intent, saying they were being prosecuted over “trumped up charges.”
They pointed out that it is the president himself who made a public address to the nation on the investigations into protest financiers. “The president’s communication is binding on the findings of the investigative authorities,” Wambugu said, adding that they were never mentioned in those statements.
The three described the intended prosecution as a “witch-hunt” and a politically driven move. “The intended prosecution is merely a product of a poisoned tree,” they said in their declaration of innocence.
The case will come up for hearing again on October 15. With increased heat on this matter, many are keenly waiting to see its implications for Gachagua and his staff, and indeed the wider political environment in Kenya.
Public reactions run the gamut from protests and investigations to continued debate over governance, accountability, and citizens’ rights.
