The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday regarding his allegations of purported assassination attempts against him. Concerns from the DCI and other government officials led to the decision, as they believed that if Gachagua’s claims went unchallenged, it could lead to further complications.
Using the DCI’s director of communication, John Marete, a letter was issued for what they described as a session to clarify the serious allegations Gachagua made concerning threats to his life and accusations against state officials. “Those are serious allegations, and we want to take action against those who may have tried the same, if any. It is not a summons per se but a clarification session,” stated a senior officer.
Gachagua is expected to appear at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road on Tuesday, October 22. However, it remains unclear whether he will comply with the summons. His lawyers were scheduled to meet with him on Tuesday to discuss the next steps.
At a press conference on Sunday, following his discharge from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been admitted during the Senate’s vote for his impeachment, Gachagua claimed there were two assassination attempts on his life prior to the impeachment motion being tabled in Parliament.
“I don’t feel safe. On August 30, undercover police agents in Kisumu entered my room, and one of them tried to poison my food, but we detected it and managed to escape. I was supposed to be killed through poisoning,” he revealed.
He also stated, “On September 3rd in Nyeri, NIS (National Intelligence Service) officers attempted to poison food intended for me and Kikuyu elders. I reported the matter to the NIS and instructed the officers assigned to my office to leave. After these assassination attempts failed, this impeachment motion was hatched.”
Gachagua expressed concerns for his safety, claiming his security detail had been withdrawn, and declared that if anything were to happen to him, President Ruto should be held accountable.
In his letter, Marete told Gachagua he publicly stated that there had been multiple assassination attempts on his life.
“You were quoted saying, August 30th, in Kisumu, undercover security agents entered my room, bugged it, and one of them tried to poison my food. We detected it and were able to escape the scheme. I was supposed to be killed by food poisoning.”
“You went further to state, “On September 3rd, another team from the National Intelligence Service came to Nyeri and tried to poison food that was meant for me and the Kikuyu council of elders,” the letter said.
“These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Mazingira Complex-Kiambu Road, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter.”
Marete said the police understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assured Gachagua the matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.
“Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation.”
During the media conference, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of betrayal.
He added that he was shocked by how a man he “helped to be President… believed in” could turn against him.
“If anything happens to me or my family President Ruto must be held to account,” he said.
Ruto has not commented on Gachagua’s impeachment since its motion was moved and has not addressed the ousted DP’s Sunday allegations, either.
He on Friday nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his next deputy.
However, Kindiki is yet to assume office due to court orders blocking his swearing-in pending the hearing and determination of cases challenging the impeachment.
