DCI Issues Apology For Publishing False Photos of Azimio Protests
It maintained its call to members of the public for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects captured on camera during the protests.
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The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has apologised to members of the public after it was exposed on Friday, March 24 for deliberately publishing misleading photos of the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations held on March 20, 2023.
In a statement on Saturday, March 25, the DCI explained that the confusion, which saw them publish images taken from past protests, was occasioned by a mix-up partly caused by the overwhelming information received through its anonymous online platform regarding the protests.
It maintained its call to members of the public for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects captured on camera during the protests.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to unreservedly apologize to the public for the mix-up of images in yesterday’s communication, which was meant to appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of criminal suspects involved in Monday’s illegal demonstrations.
"The mix-up was partly occasioned by the overwhelming information that we had received via the #FichuakwaDCI online platform regarding the reported incidents of violence. While we work towards rectifying the same and maintaining public confidence in our operations, the Directorate continues to appeal to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects whose images appear below," stated the DCI in part.
Their apology comes as several fact checks established that some of the images were taken during past protests from other countries such as Burundi.
Among those who turned against the DCI after the false photos were exposed during the 9 pm prime time news was Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua who demanded an apology from the DCI and the National Police Service (NPS), which is yet to comment on the matter.
"DCI can no longer be trusted to police or investigate fairly after the deliberately misleading photos debacle exposed by the media. This confirms that the illegitimate regime used sections of the police & thugs to brutalize protesters last Monday and to cause destruction and are planning to do a repeat on Monday 27," she tweeted in part.
She however commended the police officers who showed restraint during the past demonstrations and called out their colleagues for use of excessive force.
"We salute the many police officers who continue to maintain professionalism and to show great restraint while reminding the few bent on breaking the law instead of upholding it that they will be held to account individually," Karua stated.
The DCI on Friday stated that the criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property.
As a result, property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city.
"A firearm whose magazine was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre was also lost by one of our officers after he was attacked by a gang of a well-coordinated riotous mob, as the officers prevented the destruction of public property in Embakasi area of Nairobi County," stated the DCI in part.
The sleuths cautioned members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in our constitution, these rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others.
While announcing that the suspects captured on camera will be subjected to an array of charges, the DCI appealed to members of the public to provide information leading to their arrest.
"Meanwhile, the Directorate is currently on a manhunt for the suspects whose images appear below as others are being gathered and shall be updated, who will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences.
"Alternatively, the suspects are requested to present themselves at the Serious Crimes offices based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road or at their nearest police station before close of business today (5 pm) for further action," added the DCI.
Fresh photos of the Monday, March 20 protests released by DCI on March 25, 2023. /DCI
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