Deputy DCI Director John Onyango and Chief Inspector Philip Sang assert that the investigation stems from complaints raised by Sacco members regarding the management’s activities. Onyango clarified that while the Sacco Societies Fraud Investigations Unit (SSFIU) operates under the DCI’s jurisdiction, it does not hold exclusive rights over cooperative society fraud cases
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is battling to reclaim its authority to investigate alleged financial misconduct at the National Police DT Sacco, following a court order that limited one of its units from pursuing the case.
The Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit (ECCU) was prohibited from investigating, arresting, or prosecuting the Sacco’s directors due to an injunction that the DCI is now seeking to overturn. In court-filed affidavits, the DCI argues that no institution has the authority to dictate to the Inspector General of Police how investigations should be conducted.
Deputy DCI Director John Onyango and Chief Inspector Philip Sang assert that the investigation stems from complaints raised by Sacco members regarding the management’s activities. Onyango clarified that while the Sacco Societies Fraud Investigations Unit (SSFIU) operates under the DCI’s jurisdiction, it does not hold exclusive rights over cooperative society fraud cases.
He explained that the SSFIU was established through a partnership between the DCI and the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) to tackle fraud within Saccos. However, he contended that SASRA lacks statutory powers to carry out criminal investigations, and limiting the probe to the SSFIU alone misinterprets the law.
Onyango further noted that the complainants are Sacco members who have raised concerns about their own Board of Directors. He argued that the true victims are the members, not the Sacco as a corporate entity. The directors of the Kenya Police DT Sacco have gone to court to prevent the ECCU from investigating claims of financial mismanagement. Nevertheless, the DCI insists that the complaints were properly submitted and must be investigated.
Onyango revealed that on 24 January 2025, the court issued an order preventing the DCI from pursuing the case, directing the SSFIU to take over instead. However, he maintains that the DCI has a constitutional duty to conduct investigations free from external interference.
Chief Inspector Sang bolstered the DCI’s position, stating that the agency is mandated under the National Police Service Act to investigate economic crimes, prevent criminal activities, and prosecute offenders. He disclosed that on 12 November 2024, the DCI received a complaint from Hans & Rene Advocates, acting on behalf of Sacco members, alleging serious financial misconduct, including bribery.
Sacco Members Demand Transparency
The complaint highlights issues of financial accountability, and Chief Inspector Sang emphasised that Sacco members have a right to transparency in their organisation’s financial dealings. He noted that while the DCI and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recognise internal disputes within the Sacco, financial irregularities still justify criminal investigations.
“The DCI has recorded witness statements detailing serious allegations against the Board of Directors, including bribery, fraudulent accounting, embezzlement of members’ funds, and money laundering. These are grave criminal offences,” Sang stated.
He added that the requested documents would aid in gathering evidence, enabling a thorough investigation. He also revealed that during a court mention on 16 December 2024, the Sacco requested additional time to comply with the court’s directions.
Ensuring a Fair Process
Sang rejected claims that the investigation constitutes harassment, arguing that law enforcement agencies are obliged to investigate alleged crimes. He stressed that if the probe uncovers wrongdoing, the implicated directors will have the chance to defend themselves in court.
He also pointed out that the application blocking the DCI’s investigation was supported by Solomon Angutsa Atsiaya, the Sacco’s Chief Executive Officer. However, Sang suggested that Atsiaya, as an employee of the Sacco, might be attempting to protect the Board of Directors from scrutiny.
The Sacco, represented by lawyer Cecil Miller, maintains that the ECCU lacks the jurisdiction to investigate it. Instead, it argues that only the SSFIU, a unit within the DCI, or SASRA should be allowed to conduct the investigation. Furthermore, the Sacco has petitioned the court to refer the complaint lodged in Milimani Criminal Court (Case E4502 of 2024) to the SSFIU for handling.
