The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Amin Mohamed, has strongly denied reports suggesting that detectives attempted to prevent former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from attending church services on Sunday. The DCI boss clarified that the Directorate operates strictly within the law and would not interfere with individuals’ rights, including the freedom to worship.
The controversy began following a report published in a local daily on Monday, which claimed that detectives, in an unmarked Subaru vehicle, had tried to stop Gachagua and his allies from attending a church service at the Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West, Nairobi. The report stirred debate, drawing attention to concerns about the alleged actions of the DCI, with some questioning the motives behind the incident.
In response, DCI boss Amin dismissed these claims as entirely false and misleading. He emphasized that the Directorate’s primary responsibility is to uphold the law, and any actions taken by the DCI would be in accordance with established legal procedures. “We want to clarify that these allegations are entirely false and seem to be aimed at misrepresenting the actions and intentions of the DCI,” Amin said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Amin stressed that the DCI operates without prejudice, respecting the autonomy of individuals and institutions alike. He highlighted that the agency does not interfere with the activities of religious bodies, emphasizing that the DCI has consistently shown respect for the rule of law and the liberties guaranteed to citizens. “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,” he stated.
Furthermore, the DCI boss took issue with the claim in the report that the newspaper had been unable to obtain a comment from the DCI on the matter. He clarified that the Director of Criminal Investigations had, in fact, provided a prompt response to the inquiry. “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,” Amin explained.
The DCI urged media outlets to take greater care when reporting sensitive issues, particularly when those reports have the potential to tarnish the reputations of individuals or institutions. Amin emphasized the importance of factual accuracy, urging journalists to thoroughly verify their sources before publishing claims. “We want to ensure that facts are properly verified, balanced perspectives are presented, and that sensitive topics are handled with the utmost care,” he said.
The incident in question took place on Sunday when Gachagua and his allies attended a church service at the Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West. The former Deputy President was accompanied by a group of supporters, and the service was said to be part of his regular attendance at religious gatherings. Reports suggested that the DCI was monitoring his movements, raising suspicions about the nature of the agency’s actions.
However, the DCI’s response to the allegations was swift and direct, with the investigations agency emphasizing that its actions were entirely within the law. The Directorate stated that it had no intention of interfering with Gachagua’s religious activities and that the claims made by the media were inaccurate.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between the media’s responsibility to report the news and the need for careful fact-checking, especially when the information has the potential to affect public perception. It also underscores the importance of respecting individuals’ rights to freedom of worship and ensuring that law enforcement agencies, like the DCI, operate within the boundaries set by the Constitution.
In the wake of these developments, the DCI has called for greater responsibility in journalism, urging the press to avoid sensationalism and prioritize accuracy over speculation. As the agency continues its work, it remains committed to upholding the law and maintaining the trust of the public.
