Held For 5 Hours: Dramatic Events During Matiang'i's Trip To DCI Headquarters

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on Tuesday, March 7 honoured his promise of adhering to the summons and appeared at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) minutes after 8 am.

However, a standoff ensued when he got to the entrance of the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road after he arrived alongside a team of lawyers who were determined to accompany him to the grilling. 

The DCI officers moved to block Matiang'i from entering the headquarters with his lawyers, a matter that triggered a commotion. The officers would later reveal that not all lawyers will be allowed to enter the headquarters.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at DCI headquarters on March 7, 2023. /FILE

To make matters worse, a crowd had gathered with several motorbikes being seen adjacent to the gate, with security intensified with Matiang'i's arrival at the DCI headquarters.

Matiang'i's entourage also caused a huge traffic snarl jam along Kiambu road as vehicles could be seen staggering and unable to move quicker than usual.

The lawyers stood their ground and insisted that while the crowd that had accompanied them won't be allowed in, it was important that all lawyers be allowed in, triggering the standoff as police officers moved to mitigate the situation.

Another standoff ensued, this time inside the DCI headquarters after he refused to record a statement regarding the alleged night raid of his Karen residence on Wednesday, February 8, which has since been disowned by all of the country's security agencies.

While appearing before the detectives, the Former CS is said to have kept mum and refused to record anything over the police raid. 

He is said to have told detectives that he has a constitutional right to remain silent. The move forced the DCI detectives to leave the grilling room to consult on the next course of action. 

"I am at the CID HQ office along Kiambu Road whereas an Advocate of the High Court and West Mugirango Mp I accompanied CS Dr Fred Matiangi in answer to summons requiring his attendance," lawyer and West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka stated. 

"The investigators framed two areas of interest to which to grill Matiang'i. On the advice of his legal team, Matiang'i invoked his constitutional right to remain silent."

He added that the DCI officers appear to be taking orders from someone on what to do. 

Matiang'i was in the company of DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, younger brother John Matiang’i and lawyer Danstan Omari.

"Interesting times, with former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at DCI Kiambu, 5 hours later, still held in abeyance after only 15 mins engagement.

"This, despite a High Court order! This is no investigation, pure vendetta and witch-hunt. Sad indeed!" stated Amolo.

Senior Superintended Michael Sang had previously invited Matiang'i to provide information that may assist with investigations on allegations of publication of false information regarding the alleged raid. He pointed out that should the allegations be deemed true, it would contravene section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2018 amongst other offences. 

According to the Act, a person who knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data or over a computer system that results in panic or chaos among citizens or which is likely to discredit the reputation of a person, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.