Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | On Tuesday, impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua did not show up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices, despite an invitation from detectives to address his allegations of threats to his life.
The DCI had formally requested Gachagua to visit their Kiambu Road offices to provide information regarding his claims of two assassination attempts. Investigators emphasized the need for Gachagua’s cooperation to help them carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
In the communication sent by the DCI’s Director of Communication, John Marete, Gachagua was asked to present himself as a complainant and file an official police report on these serious allegations. The authorities have reiterated the importance of gathering his statements to move the investigation forward.
“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,’” read the invitation in part.
“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 investigative agency added: “In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at the DCI headquarters, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter.”
Also Read: DCI summons Gachagua over assassination claims
Despite being summoned, impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua did not appear at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday to address his claims of assassination attempts. The DCI has reiterated its willingness to hear Gachagua’s account and record his statement whenever he is ready to cooperate.
On the same day, staff members working in the office of the impeached Deputy President—both permanent and on contract—were barred from accessing the Harambee Annex building. Those who arrived for work were discreetly turned away by police stationed at the premises, who informed them they were under orders to deny entry.
The office remained eerily quiet throughout the day, with no activity taking place, while a heavy police presence maintained security around the building.
