The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has denied reports that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been summoned over the chaos that erupted during the June 25 protests. In an official update issued on Monday, the DCI clarified that no summons had been issued against Gachagua, despite growing speculation linking him to the violence.
The DCI leadership emphasized that while Gachagua has not been summoned or is currently under investigation, he, like all other citizens, is not above the law. Authorities underscored that if investigations reveal that he played any role in aiding or abetting criminal activities during the protests, appropriate legal action will be taken without hesitation.
The June 25 protests, which were initially intended as a peaceful commemoration of victims of last year’s anti-government demonstrations, quickly descended into violence. The DCI described the events as a tragic hijacking by organized criminal elements who took advantage of the occasion to incite chaos across the country.
The violent turn of events left a devastating toll. At least 19 people lost their lives, and over 500 others sustained injuries in confrontations between protesters and security forces. In Nairobi and several other towns, what began as peaceful demonstrations rapidly escalated into clashes with police, the torching of security barricades, and attacks on suspected plain-clothes officers.
The destruction was particularly severe in urban centres, with widespread looting, vandalism, and arson reported. Businesses were ransacked and burned, leaving many owners counting heavy losses. The capital city was one of the hardest-hit areas, though smaller towns were not spared.
Kikuyu town experienced some of the worst scenes, with mobs storming local government installations, including a police station and a courtroom, and setting them ablaze. The Ministry of Interior later confirmed that 27 government vehicles both national and county and 65 privately owned vehicles were destroyed or torched. A school bus was among the damaged vehicles, many of which were parked within police stations or government compounds at the time of the attacks.
In the wake of the violence, some political figures allied with the government have pointed fingers at the opposition, alleging that it orchestrated the unrest. Gachagua, in particular, has been accused of having a hand in the coordination or support of the riots. These politicians have called for urgent action from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the judiciary, urging them to pursue legal measures against those responsible.
Gachagua has, however, maintained his innocence, denying all allegations of involvement in the planning or execution of the violence that marred the protests.
