Ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been summoned to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over his assassination attempt claims.
In a summon letter dated October 21, 2024, and seen by K24 Digital, the DCI argues that Gachagua had made serious allegations.
The anti-crime agency in the letter addressed to Gachagua has invited him to appear before it on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to formally record a statement.
DCI on Gachagua’s claims
The Mohamed Amin-led agency says Gachagua’s statement will enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter.
“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.”
“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 letter reads in part.
“In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Mazingira Complex-Kiambu Road, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter,” DCI added.
Gachagua’s statement crucial
Gachagua in the letter was assured that the matter would be handled with the seriousness it deserves, with the DCI noting that his statement would be a crucial component in their investigations.
“We understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assure you that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation. Thank you for your prompt attention and your cooperation,” the DCI stated.
Gachagua on his safety
Speaking after his release from Karen Hospital on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the ousted DP declared that he did not feel safe and that President William Ruto was after his life.
In an emotional appeal during his tell-it-all address, Gachagua boldly begged the president to do whatever he wished but spare him and his family.
“I ask President Ruto, my brother, I helped you to be president, leave me alone, leave my children alone. Do whatever you want but let me live and look after my children,” Gachagua said.
“You can do whatever you want to the country but let me live because I was there for you when you needed somebody to be there for you, when you were in trouble and needed a man who could stand with you, I stood with you with my family. You have paid us in kind by being so cruel and vicious against us, we are simple people, and a very small family let us be. Do whatever you want, but please I beg you don’t kill us, don’t kill my children. You have caused me enough pain for the last one year, leave me alone. Allow me to have my peace.”
Mixed reactions
Following Gachagua’s revelation, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi pleaded with the embattled DP to record a statement to allow security organs to investigate the matter.
Amisi indicated such allegations need to be addressed as it is not the first time a leader in such a position has raised the same concerns.
According to the vocal lawmaker, proper investigations would allow security officers to get to the bottom of the matter and prevent its recurrence.
“I urge Gachagua to record a statement and report the matter so that the security agents can decipher the truth to the nation.
“Saitoti said it, Ruto said it during Uhuru fall out and now Gachagua. Our nation should never condone and joke around such matters, whether true or not,” Amisi stated.
“We don’t need to wait for #Kindiki to start making similar claims when things go sour! Kenya needs a Renaissance,” Amisi insisted.