DCI grills Rigathi Gachagua's allies over June 25 protests
Former NHIF boss Geoffrey Mwangi and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) official Assumpta Wangui were summoned to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regional headquarters in Nakuru, where they recorded statements on claims of helping finance or organise the demonstrations.
Detectives on Thursday questioned two close associates of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over their alleged connection to the violent anti-government protests that swept through the country on June 25.
Former NHIF boss Geoffrey Mwangi and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) official Assumpta Wangui were summoned to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regional headquarters in Nakuru, where they recorded statements on claims of helping finance or organise the demonstrations.
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The protests, largely driven by Gen Z across multiple counties, resulted in at least 19 deaths and dozens of injuries.
Authorities are now focusing on individuals suspected of mobilising resources for the protests, which have rattled the political class.
In Nyeri, Karatina MCA Watson Weru and several others close to Gachagua were also summoned by detectives on Wednesday as the investigations expanded.
Mwangi and Wangui were grilled separately in Nakuru, with DCI officers alleging that the two sponsored the demonstrations in the region.
Mwangi, who has announced plans to vie for the Nakuru governor seat in 2027, dismissed the claims, saying his political ambitions had made him a target.
“I have declared my candidature for Nakuru governor in 2027, and perhaps that’s why some of my rivals want to tarnish my name,” he said.
Weru, on the other hand, is accused of distributing whistles and vuvuzelas to protestors. He rubbished the accusations as baseless and political.
His lawyer, Wambui Mwai, insisted that distributing such items was not a crime and accused the State of attempting to silence Gachagua’s allies through intimidation. Other leaders present echoed this, calling the probe a misuse of investigative power.
Kirimukuyu MCA Anthony Ndagita lashed out at the State, saying it was launching a campaign of fear and repression against those critical of its actions.
In another twist, former Magutu Ward MCA Wanjira Wamabati, who also recorded a statement, claimed that a senior politician allied to the government had threatened her with death after she expressed opposition to the administration.
The latest questioning of Gachagua’s allies comes just days after the former Deputy President dismissed reports that he was behind the protests. In a television interview, he denied any role in funding or encouraging the demonstrations.
However, the actions by law enforcement appear to signal a growing pressure on leaders perceived to be aligned with the protest movement, as the government continues its hunt for those it believes incited or facilitated the unrest.
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