Police grill three Gachagua aides over anti-state protests

Police visited the offices of the officials in Karen, Nairobi, for statements recording that lasted hours.

In Summary
  • Police visited the offices of the officials in Karen, Nairobi for their statements in a session that took hours.
  • The detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are investigating their alleged role in financing the violent protests and looting of businesses in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Sunday service at PEFA Church Kiamariga, Nyeri county, July 7, 2024.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Sunday service at PEFA Church Kiamariga, Nyeri county, July 7, 2024.
Image: DPCS

Three senior aides of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were Tuesday grilled over an ongoing probe seeking to establish those who could have financed the anti-government protests.

Police visited the offices of the officials in Karen, Nairobi for their statements in a session that took hours.

Also grilled are two MPs from Nairobi.

This comes even as detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are investigating the violent protests and looting of businesses in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.

Police said they expect to record statements from more politicians including a former governor over the chaos.

The individuals had been summoned to the DCI headquarters for grilling on separate dates.

Police claim the individuals organized goons who raided shops and other premises to loot as Gen Z staged protests in the city.

They have denied the claims. The aides include advisors to the politician.

Police handling the case said there was scanty evidence linking the individuals for now.

They want to get more information on the alleged role the individuals played in the chaos.

Teams handling the probe have been relying on intelligence, which they argued was not actionable for now.

For instance, there have been reports a politician paid the goons to raid premises and loot and blame the same on the protesters.

Another report suggests a politician paid goons to attack a government office and burn it.

Police are rushing against time to ensure there is evidence if any to charge the accused persons.

Dozens of people who participated in the protests, especially on June 25 have been charged with various charges.

The probe into the cases is ongoing.

The protests were initially peaceful before goons invaded and started to loot property.

The mainly Gen-Z-led demonstrations have taken the government by surprise, with President William Ruto declining to sign the bill.

Discontent over the already high cost of living spiralled into nationwide protests, sparked by proposed tax hikes in the annual finance bill, which was however rejected.

Protest organisers called for the police to be held accountable for the shooting incidents.

More than 60 people have been killed and 400 wounded in the chaos.

Police say the probe into the saga is ongoing. 

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