DCI Hits Back at Gachagua Over Explosive Claims of Abductions, Killings and Political Interference
Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has fired back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he accused security agencies of involvement in alleged abductions, extrajudicial killings and other serious crimes.
The DCI issued a strongly worded response on Tuesday evening, August 11, dismissing what it described as a “litany of baseless and unsubstantiated allegations” made by Gachagua during a lengthy press conference earlier in the day.
The agency accused the former Deputy President of making claims that could undermine public confidence in Kenya’s law-enforcement institutions.
“The DCI has taken note of a litany of baseless and unsubstantiated allegations by the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, touching on the DCI,” the agency said.
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), had launched a broad attack on the government and security agencies, alleging that Kenya was experiencing a serious breakdown in law and order.
Among his most serious claims was an allegation that DCI Director Mohamed Amin had been deployed to provide cover for alleged abductions and extrajudicial killings.
Gachagua also raised questions over the deaths of Dr Victoria Mutiso and lawyer Matthew Kyalo Mbobu, alleging that police officers were connected to the cases and accusing investigative authorities of failing to expose or prosecute those responsible.
The accusations have placed renewed focus on the conduct of Kenya’s security agencies and the handling of high-profile investigations.
DCI rejects political interference claims
In its response, however, the DCI rejected suggestions that its investigations are driven by political interests.
The agency said investigations into allegations involving disappearances, deaths, police shootings, attacks on journalists and other serious crimes are undertaken where they fall within its legal mandate.
“The DCI categorically states that it does not sanction, facilitate, conceal, or participate in criminal conduct of any kind,” the agency said.
The Directorate said its responsibility is to investigate serious and complex crimes, collect and preserve evidence and present appropriate cases to prosecutorial and judicial authorities.
It also insisted that political affiliation or an individual’s public standing does not determine how an investigation is conducted.
“The DCI therefore rejects any suggestion that its investigations are undertaken to serve partisan political interests,” the agency said.
According to the Directorate, investigative decisions are based on evidence and the law rather than political considerations.
The DCI further criticised what it described as attempts to use the deaths of public figures and ordinary citizens to advance political narratives.
The agency warned that such narratives risk exploiting grieving families and sensitive investigations for political purposes.
Gachagua allegations put security agencies under spotlight
Gachagua’s allegations come amid continued public debate over alleged abductions, disappearances, police shootings and deaths that have attracted national attention.
The former Deputy President has repeatedly used public platforms to accuse the government of failing to protect citizens and to demand greater accountability from security agencies.
The DCI, however, maintained that it would not release sensitive operational details concerning ongoing investigations simply because of political pressure.
The agency said suspects would be arrested and processed through the justice system where investigations establish sufficient evidence of criminal culpability.
DCI reveals progress in murder investigations
As the war of words intensified, the DCI also provided updates on two murder investigations referenced in the wider debate.
Detectives in Cheptais arrested one suspect in connection with the August 8 murder of businessman Nathan Masai Wasama at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre.
The Directorate said investigators were following additional leads as they sought to establish the motive and identify other people who may have been involved.
The agency also responded to claims concerning the murder of PCEA Tabuga Church Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari.
According to the DCI, two suspects had already been arrested and arraigned in connection with the May 3 murder in Nakuru North.
The development directly contradicted claims that suspects in the case had simply been allowed to walk free.
DCI challenges Gachagua to provide evidence
Rather than engage in what it described as unsupported allegations, the DCI called on Gachagua and members of the public with information concerning suspected criminal activity to submit that information through official investigative channels.
The agency said credible information would be assessed and acted upon in accordance with the law.
The increasingly public confrontation between Gachagua and the DCI is likely to fuel further debate over accountability within Kenya’s security agencies, particularly as political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to build.
For now, the DCI has made clear that it stands by its investigative mandate and rejects claims that its work is being directed by partisan political interests.
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