Impeached DP Gachagua summoned by DCI over alleged botched assassination attempt claims
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headed by DCI Director Mohamed Amin has summoned impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims he made about two abortive attempts to his life through poisoning and publicly said that his life and that of his family is in danger.
Gachagua made the grave claims yesterday immediately after he was discharged from the Karen Hospital in Nairobi where he was admitted on Thursday last week, October 17, 2024 as Senators were voting to oust him.
He was scheduled to appear before Senate to defend himself when he was suddenly taken ill.
In particular, Gachagua singled out operatives of the country’s spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to the alleged scheme and also said that if anything happens to him or his family member, president William Ruto “must be held to account.” Gachagua said.
In today’s late summons by the DCI, Gachagua is invited to present himself at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road to shed light into the matter and to formally record a stamen.
This will coincide with the court session of a three judge bench constituted by Chief Justice Martha Koome for mention challenging his impeachment.
“These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at DCI Headquarters-Kiambu Road, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter. We understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assure you that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation.” The summons dated October 21, 2024 and signed by DCI Director in charge of Corporate and Public Affairs John Marete reads in part.
While addressing the media yesterday after being discharged at Karen Hospital, Gachagua recounted the two alleged assassination attempts during his time in office.
He claimed the first incident took place in Kisumu on August 30, where undercover agents reportedly bugged his hotel room and tried to poison his food.
“We detected the poison and escaped the scheme.” He said.
The second alleged attempt occurred on September 30 during a meeting with the Kikuyu Council of Elders in Nyeri.
Gachagua claimed NIS agents once again attempted to poison his food.
Following these incidents, Gachagua said he reported the threats to the NIS and dismissed his security detail, stating that he no longer felt safe with them around.
He further claimed that his impeachment was orchestrated after the failed attempts to assassinate him.
“After the two attempts to kill me failed, that’s when this impeachment motion was hatched.” He asserted.
Gachagua also accused the government of withdrawing his security detail while he was hospitalized, leaving him vulnerable.
He claimed NIS agents were present at the hospital during his stay, causing him to call his family to stay in his room for added protection.
In a direct appeal to president Ruto, Gachagua said that: “I helped you become president. Leave me and my children alone. Do whatever you want, but let me live and care for my children.”
Gachagua also alleged that some government officials had been celebrating his illness, speculating whether he would survive.
“It’s the most unfortunate thing that has ever happened in this country.” He said, expressing his disappointment and frustration with the current political climate.
