Kenyan pastor charged with stealing Sh46 million

gloria mari

April 6, 2018 4:03 PM

He is the former moderator of the PCEA.

The PCEA will face fresh Sh46 million charges against its former moderator David Gathanju and two ex-operators.

Gathanju served as moderator between 2009 and 2015.

According to The Star, he was charged with stealing Sh39 million in October 2017. A further audit showed the church lost an additional Sh20 million. The forensic reports indicate the church also lost Sh7 million and a further Sh19 million in 2014.

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Gathanju was charged alongside Esther Wanjiru, Peter Mwangi, Stephen Muhoro and James Muiruri, who also worked for the church.

They reportedly stole the money at the PCEA headquarters in Nairobi’s South C Estate between January 2, 2016 and June 30 last year.

Additional charges

The prosecution said it will add more charges such as forgery. The church is no longer interested in settling the matter out of court as all efforts failed.

Gathanju’s lawyers John Njuguna and Kimani Wakimaa said their client is ready for the case and a speedy trial.

Mwangi's lawyer said that the church and state refused to allow for dialogue when they pleaded for an out-of-court deal before the accused could take a plea.

The magistrate presiding encouraged the parties to continue seeking an out-of-court settlement.

The case will be mentioned on May 15.

gloria mari