By Antynet Ford
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was today invited by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to record a statement after allegations of attempts to end his life.
In his letter of invitation to Gachagua, DCI director of Communication John Marete said the embattled DP is to set the record straight on his allegations.
“Those are serious allegations and we want to take action on those who may have tried the same, if any. It is not a summons but a clarification session.” A Senior DCI officer stated.
In his letter, Marete told Gachagua he publicly stated that there had been multiple assassination attempts on his life.
“These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. 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.”
Marete said in the letter.
Marete said the police understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assured Gachagua the matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.
Gachagua is supposed to appear before the DCI headquarters at Kiambu Road today.
It is not clear if he will honor the summonses as his lawyers will be meeting him to discuss the way forward.
Speaking over the weekend after he was discharged from the Karen Hospital in Nairobi where he was admitted on Thursday as Senators were voting to oust him, claimed there were two assassination attempts on his life.
This was before impeachment was tabled in Parliament.
“I don’t feel safe. On August 30, undercover cover police agents in Kisumu entered my room and one of them tried to poison my food but we detected it and we were able to escape. I was supposed to be killed through poisoning.” He said
“On September 3, 2024, in Nyeri, National Intelligence Service officers came to Nyeri and tried to poison food belonging to me and Kikuyu elders. I reported the matter to NIS and asked the officers assigned to my office to leave. After attempts to assassinate me failed, this impeachment motion was hatched.” He added.
He added his security had been recalled and declared if anything happened to him, President Ruto is be held accountable.
During the media conference, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of betrayal.
He added that he was shocked by how a man he “helped to be President… believed in” could turn against him.
“If anything happens to me or my family President Ruto must be held to account.” Gachagua said.
The president has not commented on Gachagua’s impeachment since its motion was moved and has not addressed the ousted DP’s Sunday allegations, either.
Last week Friday, he nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his next deputy.
However, Kindiki is yet to assume office due to court orders blocking his swearing-in pending the hearing and determination of cases challenging the impeachment.