Aasai

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin has firmly refuted claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is under investigation for alleged involvement in the violent incidents that marred the June 25 protests in Nairobi.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Amin dismissed reports suggesting Gachagua had been summoned or was being probed over the chaos that erupted during the Gen Z-led demonstrations against police brutality and government policies.

"It is not true that we summoned Gachagua," Amin said, cutting through the growing political speculation surrounding the protests. However, he emphasized that Gachagua is not exempt from legal scrutiny. “He does not enjoy any immunity from prosecution. If our investigations find that he facilitated or supported criminal activities, then the law will take its course,” he added.

Amin gave a comprehensive update on the DCIs findings, painting a grim picture of what was initially intended as a peaceful protest. He said the demonstrations were infiltrated by well-coordinated criminal groups who turned the streets of Nairobi into scenes of chaos and destruction.

"What began as a peaceful demonstration turned into violence, orchestrated by well-organized actors who invaded the protests, endangering lives and destroying property," he stated.

According to the DCI boss, the clashes left eleven police officers with serious injuries and resulted in extensive property damage. Government buildings were attacked, ATMs vandalized, and at least one police station came under siege. In a particularly alarming development, firearms stolen during the unrest have since been linked to other criminal acts.

One of the weapons, a pistol taken during an attack on the Kikuyu Police Station, has already been recovered by investigators. Amin warned that the stolen arms posed a grave risk to public safety if they remained in criminal hands.

He also disclosed that intelligence reports had uncovered disturbing trends, including cases of sexual violence committed during the riots. “There were reports of sexual assaults, and investigations are ongoing. These were not just random acts of violence, but coordinated attacks against both people and institutions,” he said.

Amin revealed that some of the chaos was perpetrated by individuals who were deliberately ferried into Nairobi to incite and carry out destruction. “Evidence shows people were transported to Nairobi to execute violence,” he noted, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the attacks.

Reaffirming the governments resolve, Amin stated that the National Police Service would not hesitate to act when national security is under threat. “The police must not remain silent when security is being breached,” he warned.

So far, 448 suspects have been arraigned in connection with the protest violence. The charges vary widely—from robbery with violence, murder, and terrorism to gang rape—indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.

The DCI boss’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and growing calls for accountability, not just from demonstrators, but also within the country’s leadership circles. While Gachagua has denied any role in the protests, the warning from Amin makes it clear that no one will be spared if found culpable.