Impeached DP Gachagua skips DCI summons after assassination claims

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday pulled a no-show at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), despite detectives offering to listen to him and record statements on allegations that his life was in danger.

The DCI had written to the embattled politician requesting him to report to their Kiambu road offices. Police say it is important for Gachagua to share information on the two accounts he said there was an attempt on his life to enable them investigate the matter.

In the DCI’s invitation, drafted by the Director of Communication John Marete, Gachagua was requested to present himself and file a formal police report as a complainant on the two serious allegations he made.

“On October 20th, 2024, during a press conference, you publicly stated that there had been multiple assassination attempts on your life. You were quoted saying, ‘On 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,’” read the invitation in part.

“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.’ These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly.”

The investigative agency added: “In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at the DCI headquarters, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter.”

Despite this request, Gachagua did not show up, but the DCI says they will be willing to listen to him and record his statement.

Meanwhile, all staff members, both on contract and permanent basis, working in the office of impeached Deputy President were locked out of the Harambee Annex building on Tuesday.

Those who arrived in the morning were quietly sent home as police stationed at the building informed them they had orders to prevent their into the offices.

The office remained deserted, with no activity except for a heavy police presence.