NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended that several politicians allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua face criminal charges related to the violent anti-government protests that rocked the country on June 25, 2024.
The move follows an extensive investigation into allegations of planning, mobilizing, and financing the unrest.
In a letter addressed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Director of Investigations Abdalla Komesha outlined the findings implicating two Members of Parliament (MPs) and a close aide to the Deputy President.
According to the DCI, these individuals were involved in a series of meetings at a Nairobi hotel, where they allegedly conspired to incite violence.
The DCI has called for charges against these politicians under Section 391 of the Penal Code for soliciting or inciting others to commit offenses.
Additionally, they face potential charges of conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393, pending approval by the ODPP.
One of the MPs is also facing separate allegations of money laundering, with investigators currently working to secure financial records from the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Safaricom, and various banks involved in the transactions.
The ODPP is now reviewing the DCI’s case file before making a final decision on whether to proceed with the charges.
This development comes amidst growing political tensions, with Deputy President Gachagua recently denying claims that his allies were involved in the violent protests.
He labeled the investigations as part of a broader political scheme against him, especially as rumors of a potential impeachment loom over his office.
President William Ruto, who had previously described the Gen Z-led protests as a peaceful demonstration hijacked by criminal elements, has vowed to hold those responsible for financing the violence accountable.
The protests, which initially began as a response to the government’s proposed tax hikes, spiraled into chaos, resulting in widespread looting in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.
The clashes led to the deaths of over 60 people and left more than 400 others injured.
The move follows an extensive investigation into allegations of planning, mobilizing, and financing the unrest.
In a letter addressed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Director of Investigations Abdalla Komesha outlined the findings implicating two Members of Parliament (MPs) and a close aide to the Deputy President.
According to the DCI, these individuals were involved in a series of meetings at a Nairobi hotel, where they allegedly conspired to incite violence.
The DCI has called for charges against these politicians under Section 391 of the Penal Code for soliciting or inciting others to commit offenses.
Additionally, they face potential charges of conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393, pending approval by the ODPP.
One of the MPs is also facing separate allegations of money laundering, with investigators currently working to secure financial records from the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Safaricom, and various banks involved in the transactions.
The ODPP is now reviewing the DCI’s case file before making a final decision on whether to proceed with the charges.
This development comes amidst growing political tensions, with Deputy President Gachagua recently denying claims that his allies were involved in the violent protests.
He labeled the investigations as part of a broader political scheme against him, especially as rumors of a potential impeachment loom over his office.
President William Ruto, who had previously described the Gen Z-led protests as a peaceful demonstration hijacked by criminal elements, has vowed to hold those responsible for financing the violence accountable.
The protests, which initially began as a response to the government’s proposed tax hikes, spiraled into chaos, resulting in widespread looting in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.
The clashes led to the deaths of over 60 people and left more than 400 others injured.
