DCI denies Omtatah's allegations in city abduction case

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed allegations by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah linking the agency to the reported abduction of Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the DCI refuted claims that one of its vehicles, a white Subaru Forester, was used in the alleged abduction, terming the accusations baseless and sensationalised.

"The DCI categorically denies any association with the vehicle in question," reads the statement signed by John Marete on behalf of DCI Director Mohamed Amin.

"These allegations not only lack foundation but also sensationalise a sensitive issue that is under thorough investigation," it read further.

Senator Omtatah earlier shared a photo of the vehicle he alleged was linked to the DCI, claiming it bore fake number plates.

He also reported the incident at Capitol Hill Police Station after conducting searches at police stations and reviewing vehicle registration records through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Ongoing probe

The DCI said that the allegations are being taken seriously and investigations into the reported abductions are ongoing.

We have done our best to try and find @Kibet_bull since learning that he’s missing. I led teams in conducting searches in police stations yesterday, spoke with persons of interest, reported the matter to the police, obtained information about the Subaru Forester mounted with… pic.twitter.com/FnSevUxSAD

— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) December 26, 2024

"We urge any individuals with credible information on these matters to come forward and cooperate with our independent investigations," the statement added.

The agency reaffirmed that its operations are conducted within constitutional and legal frameworks, echoing remarks by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who assured the public that no extrajudicial actions would be tolerated.

"The integrity of our investigations is paramount, and we take any attempts to undermine this process seriously," the statement read further, urging public leaders to avoid speculative statements that might disrupt the progress of investigations.

The DCI reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in addressing these allegations and ensuring the safety and rights of all Kenyans.

"We remain open and transparent in handling such cases, striving to maintain public trust as we pursue justice. Social dialogue must remain constructive and solution-oriented as we work towards a safer, just, and inclusive society," the DCI concluded.

Kenya's human rights watchdog has raised concerns over a surge in abductions, with 82 cases reported since June 2024.

Of these, 13 occurred in the past three months, including seven in December.

Alarmingly, six victims from December up to date remain missing, adding to the 29 individuals still unaccounted for since June.

The six are Steve Kavingo Mbisi from Machakos, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi from Embu, Peter Muteti from Uthiru, Nairobi and Bernard Kavuli from Ngong, Nairobi,

Others are Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, from Nairobi, and Rony Kiplang'at from Kiambu.

Naomi, also known by her online name @Jabertotoo, is said to have been abducted in Ruaraka, Nairobi, and was later found.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action.