The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has rejected allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the handling of criminal cases, challenging him and anyone with information on alleged crimes to present credible evidence to investigators.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DCI said it had taken note of what it described as a series of unsubstantiated claims touching on its work and warned against using criminal investigations and the deaths of public figures to advance political narratives.
The agency said its investigations are conducted on the basis of evidence and the law, regardless of the identity or political affiliation of those involved.
“The DCI categorically states that it does not sanction, facilitate, conceal, or participate in criminal conduct of any kind, regardless of the identity or status of any person involved,” the statement said.
The response came hours after Gachagua, while assessing the four-year performance of the Kenya Kwanza administration, raised questions about the handling of several cases involving alleged abductions, disappearances, deaths, police shootings and other serious crimes.
The former Deputy President also questioned the progress of investigations into the killing of clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso and raised concerns about the conduct of some police officers in connection with the case.
The DCI said matters falling within its mandate are investigated based on available evidence and that its officers remain bound by constitutional and legal procedures.
“Neither political affiliation nor public prominence influences the manner in which a criminal investigation is conducted,” the agency said.
The agency pointed to several ongoing investigations to demonstrate progress in cases that have attracted public attention.
In the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari of PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County, the DCI said two suspects had been arrested and arraigned before the Nakuru Law Courts.
The agency also said four armed suspects were fatally shot during an intelligence-led operation along the Eldoret-Kiplombe-Soy Road after they engaged detectives in a gun battle. A loaded Falcon pistol was recovered during the operation, according to the DCI.
On the murder of Dr Mutiso, the DCI said investigators had made “tremendous progress” following a detailed briefing issued on August 7.
The agency said the remaining suspects in the case were being pursued and would be arrested and arraigned once investigations are complete.
The DCI also cited the recent arrest of a suspect linked to the killing of businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, saying detectives were pursuing further leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and apprehend other suspects.
The agency said the cases illustrated the approach it takes in investigating serious crimes, including the use of intelligence, forensic analysis and other investigative tools.
It further rejected suggestions that its investigations were being conducted to serve partisan political interests.
“The DCI therefore rejects any suggestion that its investigations are undertaken to serve partisan political interests,” the statement said, adding that investigative outcomes and subsequent decisions are guided by evidence and the law.
The agency also cautioned against discussing sensitive investigations through the media, saying doing so could compromise ongoing operations.
“The DCI will not conduct investigations through the media or compromise ongoing inquiries by disclosing sensitive operational information,” it said.
The statement comes as Gachagua continues to position himself as a critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has increasingly raised questions about governance, security and the handling of high-profile criminal cases as he campaigns against President William Ruto's administration.
The DCI, however, said anyone with information relating to alleged criminal activity should submit it through official investigative channels.
“Credible information will be assessed and acted upon in accordance with the law,” the agency said.
The Directorate said it would continue working with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary and other constitutionally mandated institutions in pursuing accountability and upholding the rule of law.
