Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing considerable challenges as discussions of impeachment loom in Parliament. On September 24, 2024, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sent a letter (DCI/IB/SEC/$?2?VOLLXXXIII/1) to the Director of Public Prosecutions, naming some of the Deputy President’s closest allies as suspects in the financing of protests that hit the country in June.
Signed by Abdallah Komesha, the letter details an inquiry into allegations of planning, mobilizing, and financing violent protests that occurred on June 25. Intelligence reports suggest that Hon. Benjamin Mwangi (Mejja Donk, MP for Embakasi Central) and Hon. James Gakuya (MP for Embakasi North) were involved, following several meetings at Hotel Boulevard in Nairobi.
The MPs were summoned on July 24, 2024, to provide statements but refused to submit their mobile phones for forensic analysis. The DCI is working to obtain financial data from Safaricom, FRC, and relevant banks, with potential charges including soliciting or inciting criminal activity. Other individuals under investigation include Hon. Ngunjiri Wambugu, George Theuri, and Pius Munene.
In response to the DCI’s actions, Gachagua criticized the use of the criminal justice system for political purposes, calling it an outdated strategy. He stated, “President William Ruto and I promised the people of Kenya that we would not use the criminal justice system to manage politics. I am embarrassed to see us reverting to past practices.”
On his official Facebook page, the Deputy President expressed concern over what he perceives as a scheme to fabricate charges against three of his staff members and the two implicated MPs. He argued that this effort aims to link them to the late June protests, tarnishing his reputation and potentially providing grounds for impeachment.
Gachagua stressed that Kenyans understand the real issues driving public unrest, asserting, “They know I am not among them. Let our agencies remain professional, uphold the rule of law, and steer clear of politics.”
