DCI Summons Gachagua Allies in Nakuru Over Alleged Involvement in June 25 Protests

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its inquiry into the deadly protests that occurred on 25 June, summoning several political figures associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for questioning. 

The move follows the unrest that resulted in 19 fatalities and numerous injuries and signals an escalating conflict between the state and opposition-aligned individuals. This has ignited concerns over potential political retaliation and the erosion of civil liberties. On Thursday, Geoffrey Mwangi, the former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund, and Assumpta Wangui, a senior official in the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), were interrogated at the DCI's Rift Valley regional headquarters in Nakuru. 

Detectives questioned them regarding allegations that they sponsored demonstrations in the region. Their appearance follows similar summonses issued earlier in the week to Karatina Member of County Assembly (MCA) Watson Weru and other Gachagua allies in Nyeri. Mwangi, who has declared his intention to contest the Nakuru gubernatorial seat in 2027 on a DCP ticket, arrived at the DCI offices accompanied by his lawyer, Stanley Karanja. 

After a three-hour session, Mwangi refuted the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that his growing popularity had made him a target. "I have shared my side of the story. The protesters were ordinary Kenyans expressing frustration. No one funded them," he told reporters.

Karanja echoed this sentiment, describing the summons as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent. "My client is being accused of planning future protests and inciting violence. These claims are baseless and intended to intimidate," Karanja stated. 

Wangui, who was questioned separately, also rejected the accusations, stating that the interrogation amounted to harassment by state security agencies. The DCI's  investigation is part of a broader crackdown on individuals perceived to be sympathetic to the Gen Z-led protest movement. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances and calls for government accountability, have evolved into a potent expression of youth-led resistance. 

The state's response has included aggressive policing and an increasing number of arrests and interrogations targeting opposition figures. In Nyeri, MCA Watson Weru was accused of distributing vuvuzelas and whistles to demonstrators. His legal team dismissed this allegation as trivial and legally unfounded. 

"Distributing noise-making instruments is not a crime," said lawyer Wambui Mwai, adding that the charges reflect a broader strategy to intimidate Gachagua's supporters.

Other leaders have spoken out against what they describe as a coordinated campaign of fear. Kirimukuyu MCA Anthony Ndagita condemned the state's actions, insisting that their allegiance to Gachagua and their commitment to democratic principles remain unwavering. Former Magutu Ward MCA Wanjira Wamabati recorded a statement alleging threats to her life from a senior pro-government politician, further fuelling concerns over political persecution.

These interrogations come days after Gachagua publicly denied any involvement in the protests, which some government officials have characterised as an attempted insurrection. In a televised interview, the former Deputy President rejected claims that he financed or orchestrated the demonstrations, describing them as spontaneous and leaderless expressions of public discontent. He accused the government of scapegoating opposition figures to deflect attention from its own failures in managing the crisis.

While the government insists it is pursuing justice and accountability, opposition figures argue that the crackdown is a thinly veiled attempt to silence critics and consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.