Nairobi, August 15, 2023 - Pauline Njoroge, Deputy Organising Secretary of the Jubilee Party, has reported a substantial loss of Ksh302,842 from her accounts following her arrest in Watamu on July 22, 2023. The alarming discovery has cast a shadow over her legal proceedings, prompting questions about the circumstances leading to the disappearance of these funds.
Njoroge's legal team raised the issue during her court appearance at the Malindi Courts on Monday, August 14. The Jubilee Party official's tribulations reportedly began after her arrest, during which her personal electronics—a phone and a laptop—were allegedly seized by the police.
According to her defense lawyers, Njoroge first noticed the discrepancy on August 3, at precisely 7:05 pm. Concerns were immediately voiced over the apparent anomaly, leading to a demand for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
"In light of this unfortunate event, we have also applied for a joint investigation to be conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alongside the ongoing inquiry. We further request that a detailed report be submitted to the court, as the DCI officers were the sole third parties with physical possession and access to the bank cards prior to the incident," Njoroge's statement read.
The prosecution sought time to confer with the Investigating Officer before issuing a response. In light of these serious allegations, the magistrate instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to address the concerns and clarify the status of Njoroge's confiscated electronics. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18.
Njoroge's arrest was initially linked to allegations of possessing narcotics. Police officers claimed to have discovered four rolls of dry plant material believed to be narcotics during her arrest. Subsequently, detectives attached to Watamu Police Station alleged that a search of her rented room at Mawe Zuri Resort led to the discovery of a clear container containing ten (10) tablets believed to be banned substances.
The Jubilee Party official was arraigned at the Malindi Law Courts on July 24 and subsequently released unconditionally. Her lawyer, Soyinka Lempaa, confirmed that the narcotics-related accusations did not feature on the official charge sheet.
The recent revelation of the substantial financial loss adds a complex layer to the ongoing legal saga, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Njoroge's arrest and the subsequent events that unfolded.