The Deputy President has spoken out against plans by the police to arrest his top aides and allies, calling it an outdated political tactic.
He condemned the use of the criminal justice system to influence politics, describing it as a method from the past.
“President William Ruto and I made a promise to the people of Kenya that the criminal justice system would never again be used for political management,” he said.
“It’s disappointing that we are seeing a return to these tactics. For the past two months, there has been ongoing harassment of my office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to me.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recently submitted a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on September 24, recommending that the DP’s aides and allies be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, among other offenses.
If the ODPP agrees with the DCI’s findings, several key figures could face charges.
Among those listed for possible prosecution is Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi.
Police want him charged with inciting others to commit an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code and with money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Other charges include conspiracy to commit a felony.
Embakasi North MP James Mwangi Gakuya, former MP George Theuri (now an aide to the DP), and other aides, including political advisor Martin Deric Ngunjiri Wambugu and private secretary Pius G. Munene, are also being targeted for conspiracy charges. Theuri now serves as the DP’s youth advisor.
This development signals a growing rift between the Deputy President and President William Ruto.
Gachagua has raised concerns about what he described as harassment by the police.
Deputy Director of DCI Abdalah Komesha informed the ODPP that the case involves charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and incitement.
The DCI received intelligence reports linking the implicated MPs to the planning and financing of violent protests on June 25, 2024, and subsequent days.
These protests were reportedly discussed in meetings held at Hotel Boulevard in Nairobi.
The MPs were summoned on July 31, 2024, and statements were taken, but they refused to surrender their mobile phones for forensic investigation, prompting legal action.
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