Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called out the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for going after politicians allied with him.
Speaking while at a church service on Sunday, September 8, the DP rebuked the directorate for arresting Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his Embakasi Central counterpart Benjamin Gathiru alias Mejja Donk.
Further, Gachagua accused the DCI of being manipulated over political issues, noting that the practice was a huge failure for the previous government.
“I would like to ask our security officers from the DCI, please, don’t take us back to where we came from. The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics made the previous administration very unpopular.
“It doesn’t make sense to harass Gakuya and MejjaDonk for no reason because of politics. Arresting them, confiscating their phones, intimidating them. I want to ask our investigative agencies to be professional and to deal with crime in accordance with the law,” he said.
The duo was arrested and questioned over their alleged sponsorship of the June and July anti-tax protests held across the country.
Also Read:Pro-Gachagua MP Summoned Over Somali Takeover Claims
Gachagua Details how DCI Should Deal with the Matter
According to Gachagua, the DCI out to follow the constitution and the laws provided for handling such matters.
He said that going after innocent leaders was counterproductive for the government.
“And all our officers should have four sets of laws to guide them. First and foremost, the Kenyan constitution. Number two, the Penal Code cap 63, the Criminal Punishment Code cap 75, and the Evidence Act cap 80.
“If you use those four laws, you will remain very professional. officers were used in the fourth administration to harass everybody. Harassment of elected leaders is very counter-productive,” added Gachagua.
Additionally, Gachagua asked DCI to focus on criminal cases that rocked Nairobi and the country, instead of focusing on politics.
“Also, it makes them very popular. So, when you think you are bringing them down by arresting them every now and then, you are doing the opposite.
“We have enough crime problems in Nairobi and the country, deal with those criminals and leave elected leaders alone.
Also Read: DCI Obtains Orders in Investigations on Gachagua-Allied MPs Over Protests
Gakuya Summoned Again
On September 3, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Gakuya over his remarks against the Somali Community.
NCIC in a statement dated August 26 stated that Gakuya made inflammatory remarks in the Kikuyu language against Somalis conducting businesses in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
“Take notice that you are hereby required to appear at the NCIC offices within Britam Towers Upper Hill 18th Floor on Thursday 5th September 2024 at 11:00 am so as to assist the Commission with aforementioned ongoing investigations,” read the statement in part.
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PHOTO/ DPCS
