DCI is not involved in kidnappings – Amin

The Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed has refuted claims that the directorate is involved in the rampant kidnappings that have been witnessed in the country, in the recent past.

Speaking during a meeting with Editors and other top security officials, Amin insisted that whenever they make an arrest, one is taken to gazetted police stations.

He said that he does not know where those kidnapped are taken.

"We take those we arrest to gazetted police stations. The DCI is not involved in kidnappings. I wish I knew where the missing Kenyans are. Why would I kidnap anyone, and where would I even take them?" Amin posed.

He accused some media houses of creating the impression that it is the DCI that is behind the kidnappings.

Amin said his conscience is clear because he has never been involved in extrajudicial killings.

"Some media houses are driving the agenda that the DCI is involved in kidnappings... My conscience is clear; I am at peace with myself because I have never been involved in extrajudicial killings," he said.

The DCI boss, however, commended the media for their supportive role in unearthing and resolving criminal activity and cases.

"We recognize and respect the role the media play in our society. We are operating in unprecedented times, with unregulated social media platforms," Amin said.

The meeting with security officials came against the backdrop of attacks on journalists who were covering the anti-government protests.

The Media Council of Kenya placed the number of injured journalists at 24.

One journalist sustained gunshot wounds in Nakuru while covering the protests.

Media managers from mainstream media houses including the Royal Media Services, Radio Africa Group, Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Mediamax took part in the meeting.

The Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Editors Guild and Kenya Union of Journalists were also represented.