Televangelist David Gakuyo will spend the weekend in police custody after a Nairobi court ordered his detention, citing public interest.
Detectives had sought to have Gakuyo detained for four days, pending completion of investigations.
The Ekeza Sacco founder was arrested on Wednesday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as he prepared to travel to Zambia.
He's accused of embezzling Sh1 billion from members of his Ekeza Sacco.
The police said they were investigating a case of conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretences, stealing and money laundering.
In an affidavit, Bernard Gikandii an officer attached at DCI, said investigations are at an advanced stage.
"We are likely to have him charged in several cases involving over 50,000 victims spread all over the country," the officer said.
Nairobi magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo on Friday declined to grant the police the four days sought but directed that Gakuyo be detained until Monday at Muthaiga police station.
"The application partly succeeds on public interest. Since the investigations are at an advanced stage, he be availed on February 26 for plea taking," the magistrate said.
Earlier, Gakuyo's lawyers, led by Ndegwa Njiru and Danstan Omari, had put up a spirited fight for his release opposing the application by the police.
They said the police have been investigating the matter for the last five years and it would beat logic to seek more days to complete the probe.
The police also told the court about the public outcry from Gakuyo's victims and other affected persons over the funds lost or allegedly stolen by the suspect and companies associated with him.
Some members of his church and those believed to be victims of the alleged fraud thronged the courtroom to follow the proceedings.
Gikandii had cited public outcry from victims and other affected persons over the funds lost or allegedly stolen.
He said he was convinced that Gakuyo was likely to interfere with the ongoing investigations, including contacting critical witnesses and concealing material documents necessary and relevant to the probe.
On Monday, Gakuyo is likely to be charged with several counts of felony, obtaining money by false pretence and theft.
