The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has defended its record in handling serious crimes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned the progress of several high-profile cases, calling on anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to hand it over to investigators.
The agency said Tuesday that it would not allow criminal investigations or cases involving the deaths of public figures to be turned into political talking points, dismissing what it described as unsubstantiated allegations about its work.
The response followed remarks by Gachagua while reviewing the four-year record of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He raised questions over several cases involving alleged abductions, disappearances, deaths, police shootings and other serious offences.
Gachagua also questioned the handling of the investigation into the death of clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso and raised concerns over the conduct of some police officers linked to the matter.
The DCI said its detectives operate within the law and rely on evidence when pursuing cases, regardless of the political standing or identity of the people 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 agency said.
It added that no suspect receives different treatment because of political affiliation or public status.
“Neither political affiliation nor public prominence influences the manner in which a criminal investigation is conducted,” the agency said.
To support its position, the DCI highlighted several cases where it said detectives had taken action or made progress.
In the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari of PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County, two suspects have been arrested and taken before the Nakuru Law Courts, according to the agency.
The DCI also reported an operation along the Eldoret-Kiplombe-Soy Road in which four armed suspects were fatally shot after they engaged detectives in a gun battle. A loaded Falcon pistol was recovered during the operation, the agency said.
On the death of Dr Mutiso, the DCI said investigators had recorded “tremendous progress” after issuing a detailed briefing on August 7.
Detectives are still looking for other suspects in the case, with the agency saying they will be arrested and arraigned once the investigations are concluded.
The agency further cited the arrest of a suspect over the killing of businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais.
Detectives are following more leads in an effort to establish what happened and track down other people believed to have been involved in the killing, the DCI said.
According to the agency, investigations into serious crimes involve intelligence gathering, forensic work and other investigative methods to establish the facts before suspects are taken through the justice process.
The DCI dismissed any suggestion that its work was being directed by 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 urged caution in public discussions around active investigations, saying the release of sensitive information could alert suspects or interfere with detectives’ work.
“The DCI will not conduct investigations through the media or compromise ongoing inquiries by disclosing sensitive operational information,” it said.
Gachagua has stepped up criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election, with governance, security and the handling of criminal cases forming part of his concerns.
The DCI said those who have information pointing to criminal activity should use official channels to report it rather than rely solely on public statements.
“Credible information will be assessed and acted upon in accordance with the law,” the agency said.
The Directorate said it would continue coordinating with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary and other constitutionally mandated bodies in pursuing accountability and upholding the rule of law.