DP Gachagua aides grilled over alleged links to anti-government protests

The Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) interrogated senior officials linked to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday.

The questioning, conducted at the Deputy President’s Karen residence, is part of a widening investigation into claims of orchestrated violence during recent anti-government protests.

The investigation revolves around allegations that certain high-profile figures may have sponsored goons who infiltrated them.

Among those questioned were former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, currently serving as a political advisor to the Deputy President, and former Embakasi West MP Eric Theuri, now youth advisor in the Deputy President's office.

Munene wa Mumbi, the Deputy President’s private secretary, also provided a statement as part of the investigation.

According to Citizen TV, the SCU officers conducted their interviews at Gachagua's Karen residence.

The questioning extended to the Deputy President's other allies, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his counterpart from Embakasi Central, Mejja Donk. Investigators suspect both lawmakers of being involved in the alleged infiltration of goons during the recent Gen-Z protests that swept the nation.

Crackdown

The investigation is part of a broader crackdown on those accused of orchestrating violence and disrupting peace during the protests.

However, as of now, there is no formal evidence linking these officials directly to the unrest.

The grilling comes amid rumours of a potential impeachment motion against the Deputy President.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a staunch ally of Gachagua, has been vocal and vehemently opposed to such a move.

“Where an impeachment motion is being considered against the Deputy President, I want to make it very clear that this is an affront towards the mountain. It is an attack on us as a people, and we will not take it lying down. Whoever feels that this is the way to go, we kindly tell them to bring it on,” Kahiga declared.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also weighed in on the controversy, expressing her frustration on social media.

“Someone thinks bringing a tribal card against the DP and leaders of Mt. Kenya will diffuse the rot in the Kenya Kwanza government, as highlighted by the protestors. Presenting an impeachment against DP Gachagua is a decoy to shift attention,” Wamuchomba wrote on X.

The SCU’s probe is likely to continue as more individuals, including additional Members of Parliament and a former governor, are expected to be questioned in the coming days.