Government Speaks on Possible Arrest of Gachagua Over June 25 Violence
The government has made it clear that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be arrested and prosecuted like any other Kenyan citizen if he is found to have played a role in the chaos that broke out on June 25.
This was confirmed by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Amin Mohammed, during a press briefing held on Monday, June 30.
Speaking five days after the protests turned violent in different parts of the country, Amin addressed the possibility of Gachagua facing legal action if found to be linked to the unrest.
When asked by reporters whether the former DP might be prosecuted if investigations implicated him, Amin firmly stated that no one is above the law in Kenya.
“Let me make it absolutely clear that Rigathi Gachagua has no immunity from prosecution,” Amin said. “He is a Kenyan citizen like everyone else and is subject to the same laws. If our investigations establish that he was involved in the violence, then the law will take its course.”
However, Amin also clarified that, as of now, no summons or legal notice has been issued to Gachagua. He explained that any action would only be taken if the former DP is found to have participated in any criminal activities linked to the unrest.
The DCI boss went on to provide more details about what investigators have discovered so far. He revealed that the violence seen across the country, including in Nairobi, was not accidental or spontaneous. Instead, it was organized and deliberate.
“Our findings so far are very troubling,” Amin stated. “We’ve seen significant destruction of government property.
Police weapons and equipment were stolen, and we already have evidence showing that some of these stolen weapons have been used to commit violent robberies.”
He stressed that the violence was carefully planned, and authorities are now focusing their efforts on identifying and arresting the individuals who planned, funded, and mobilized the acts of destruction. “These weren’t just random events.
They were coordinated, and we are actively following leads to arrest the organizers and financiers. They will be held accountable,” he added.
Gachagua had earlier broken his silence on the June 25 protests during a press conference held last Thursday. In his remarks, he accused the government of using brutal force to suppress the protesters.
He also claimed that there was a calculated plan to block protesters on Kiambu Road and Thika Road, leaving them vulnerable while hired thugs caused destruction and looted businesses in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The former DP and leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) also spoke about the looting spree that occurred in the CBD. According to him, the attacks were not random, and specific shops and businesses were intentionally targeted for destruction and theft.
During Monday’s press briefing, Amin urged all those who were affected by the violence — including business owners whose properties were damaged or looted — to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations.
By June 30, the DCI confirmed that 485 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest. Out of these, 448 individuals have already been formally charged in court, while 37 others remain under active investigation.
The DCI maintains that the investigation will continue without fear or favour, and anyone found responsible — regardless of their political status — will be dealt with according to the law.
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