Controversial Bishop Dr David Kariuki Ngare‘s access to freedom remains a misery after the DPP said he is yet to serve him with witness statements necessitating his return to Industrial Area Remand prison where he has been detained since February 2024.
Further, a dark cloud continues to linger over his head since he cannot raise a bond of 20 million or a cash bail of Sh 10 million with two contact persons among them a senior government officer.
When he appeared before the Milimani senior principal magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi last week the court declined to review the bond terms downwards saying it commensurate with the Sh 1.2 billion he is accused of defrauding over 50,000 people who gave their money to invest in income-generating projects including development of real estate.
State prosecutor Alice Mathangani asked the court to allow her one month to enable the DPP to supply the accused with witness statements.
“Your honour the DPP has not supplied the accused with witness statements and exhibits.They are running into thousands of paper work.We need a month to sample them then furnish the accused,” Ms Mathangani prayed to the court.
The DPP had earlier opposed the plea to review the bond saying it is commensurate with the amount entrusted to the “Man of God” by members of the public.
Defence lawyer Daniel Wangenye did not oppose the adjournment plea.
Mr Ekhubi indulged the DPP for one month and fixed the case for further directions on April 4 2024.
Gakuyo was arrested at JKIA while trying to flee the country to Lusaka Zambia.
He has denied 12 counts.