The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has addressed claims it tried to bar former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from attending a church service in Nairobi..
In a statement on Tuesday, November 12, the DCI denied the reports published in one of the local dailies, terming them misleading.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to address the misleading claims published in the Daily Nation on November 11, 2024, regarding alleged attempts by detectives in unmarked Subaru cars to prevent Hon. Rigathi Gachagua from attending a church service in Nairobi.
“We want to clarify that these allegations are entirely false and seem to be aimed at misrepresenting the actions and intentions of the DCI. The DCI operates within the parameters established by the rule of law and has consistently affirmed its commitment to refraining from interference in the liberties of individuals and institutions,” DCI said.
DCI also dismissed claims that it did not provide a response to the author of the newspaper article as claimed by the writer.
“Moreover, the claim that the writer was unable to obtain a comment from the DCI is incorrect. The Director of Criminal Investigations provided a prompt response, reaffirming the DCI’s commitment to respecting the autonomy of religious institutions and the writer acknowledged receipt of this response.
“The Daily Nation must thoroughly verify facts, present balanced perspectives, and handle sensitive topics carefully to uphold its commitment to truth and fairness in journalism. This is particularly important when the information affects individuals’ reputations and the integrity of institutions,” DCI added.
This comes barely a month after DCI summoned Gachagua to record a statement regarding his recent allegations of assassination attempts. O
On Sunday, after being discharged from Karen Hospital, Gachagua claimed there had been two attempts on his life.
He alleged that on August 30 in Kisumu, undercover agents entered his room and tried to poison his food.
Additionally, he claimed that on September 3 in Nyeri, National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers attempted to poison food meant for him and Kikuyu elders.
The DCI has deemed these allegations serious, given Gachagua’s stature, and cannot take them lightly.
They have requested Gachagua’s presence at the DCI headquarters on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to formally record his statement and enable a prompt and thorough investigation.
Gachagua made these claims shortly after his impeachment, accusing President William Ruto of betrayal and likening his situation to the political persecution faced by Kenneth Matiba during President Daniel Arap Moi’s regime.
He also alleged that his security detail had been withdrawn while he was hospitalized.
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