While distancing itself from the claims, DCI faulted the writer’s claims that they were unable to obtain a comment from the officers.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has deemed as misleading reports by the Daily Nation that detectives in unmarked Subaru vehicles had attempted to block former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from attending a church service in Nairobi.
DCI in a statement released on Tuesday, November 12 clarified that the allegations were entirely false and seemed to be aimed at misrepresenting the actions and intentions of the country’s main investigative agency.
It stated that “The DCI operates within the parameters established by the rule of law and has consistently affirmed its commitment to refraining from interference in the liberties of individuals and institutions.”
While distancing itself from the claims, DCI faulted the writer’s claims that they were unable to obtain a comment from the officers.
DCI detectives on bikes during a rigorous mobile tactical operations training offered to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit’s – Emergency Response Team (ERT) on April 21, 2023. /DCI
In their statement, the DCI officers urged the local publication to thoroughly verify facts, represent balanced perspectives and handle sensitive topics carefully while upholding fairness in journalism.
“Moreover, the claim that the writer was unable to obtain a comment from the DCI is incorrect. The Director of Criminal Investigations provided a prompt response, reaffirming the DCI’s commitment to respecting the autonomy of religious institutions and the writer acknowledged receipt of this response,” the statement read in part.
“The Daily Nation must thoroughly verify facts, present balanced perspectives, and handle sensitive topics carefully to uphold its commitment to truth and fairness in journalism. This is particularly important when the information affects individuals’ reputations and the integrity of institutions.”
In the flagged piece, the local daily had in the report titled “Police attempt to block Rigathi Gachagua from Nairobi church” claimed attempts by detectives to stop a Nairobi-based church from hosting impeached DP Gachagua for a church service at Kahawa West, Roysambu Constituency on Sunday.
Bishop JJ Gitahi, the founder of the Priesthood Fellowship Church, had revealed to the congregation that the government had tried to cancel Gachagua’s appearance, claiming that hosting him would amount to incitement and disrupt peace in the area.
According to the flagged article, the priest through a secretary-general to the board informed the publication that after the service, detectives raided the preacher’s residence in Ruiru, Kiambu County, seeking to know why he was hosting the former deputy president.
However, the bishop stood his ground, insisting that Gachagua’s presence at his church was a normal church service like any other and after a few minutes, they left.
The secretary-general to the board at the church then noted that the priest had to switch vehicles because he had been informed that the detectives were trailing him.
The piece further alleged that the detectives who had unmarked Subaru cars, termed Gachagua’s presence as a breach of national security and that his presence was likely to incite the local community against the government.
Gachagua has continued to make public appearances in church services and during special occasions following his impeachment by the National Assembly and the Senate.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Parliament on October 17, 2024. /PARLIAMENT KENYA