Premium
Court blocks DCI from investigating police sacco
The Kenya police Sacco's offices in Ngara, Nairobi.
The High Court has blocked officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from probing the National Police Sacco over embezzlement claims.
Justice Alexander Muteti on Monday halted the probe after officials of the Sacco challenged court orders obtained by the DCI in December to investigate the claims.
The Sacco argues that the probe will affect its operations and credibility.
The court heard that investigating officer Duncan Maina obtained warrants in December 2024 while seeking to inspect and verify copies of several documents deemed critical to the probe.
The documents includes the list of names, particulars and personal accounts of current board members, tenders, procurement documents and financial statements.
The investigating officer also sought audit reports and wealth declaration forms of board members, minutes and resolutions, as well as documents touching on the Sacco's M-Tawi system.
“The orders have far-reaching implications that will expose the Sacco to potential operational disruption, financial instability and erosion of public confidence,” the Sacco said through lawyer Cecil Miller.
He further submitted that the inspection of the documents fall within the mandate of Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra) under section 48(2) and 49(1) of the Sacco Societies Act, which grants the regulatory body the authority to inspect Sacco records.
Mr Miller further argued that the Sacco Societies Fraud Investigations Unit (SSFIU), established by the Sasra Act in 2020, is the agency mandated to detect, prevent and address fraudulent activities within Saccos.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the Sacco being a deposit taking institution, the power granted to Sasra is ideal to protect depositors,” he said.
He revealed that the National Police Sacco has Sh34 billion in deposits and Sh58 billion in assets, as well as 75,000 members.
Justice Muteti directed that the case to be heard on April 24.