Kindiki Moves To Avoid Repeat Of Raila Showdown At DCI Headquarters

The CS noted that Raila's surprise visit to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road where his predecessor, Fred Matiang'i...

admin admin
Mar 9, 2023 - 16:38 Updated: Mar 9, 2023 - 16:40
0
Kindiki Moves To Avoid Repeat Of Raila Showdown At DCI Headquarters
A collage of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Raila Odinga at DCI headquarters on March 7, 2023. /FILE TWITTER.MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the police to treat all security facilities in the country as restricted areas following the drama caused by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, March 7.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, March 9, the CS noted that Raila's surprise visit to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road where his predecessor, Fred Matiang'i, had gone to record a statement regarding the alleged raid at his Karen residence a month ago was filled with tension.

He accused some of the politicians and the youth of endangering the work of the officers by daring to storm the highly secure headquarters of the country's investigative agency.

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

"Some politicians, ostensibly going to provide political solidarity to Dr Matiang’i, caused disturbances including threats to mobilise people to forcibly access the DCI headquarters.

"I direct all security agencies to ensure that our security facilities remain protected areas and should not be allowed to become a theatre for politics or rowdy and unlawful behaviour including unauthorised access," he stated.

To make sure his order hit home, the CS warned of dire consequences to anyone who threatens or forcefully gains entry to the security facilities as well as attempts to harass officers in any way.

"Going forward, any person regardless of their rank in society who threatens to forcibly access security facilities or intimidate officers on duty will be dealt with firmly, ruthlessly and decisively in accordance with the law.

"The protection of our security facilities from political and other extraneous interferences apply to all without exemption and without regard to political affiliation," the CS stated.

CS Kindiki further noted that the new standards will be applicable to every Kenyan, no matter who they are in society. 

He also announced that the government would review the process of recording statements to ensure that suspects are treated humanely and take a shorter time.

"These standards shall apply to all persons under investigation regardless of their rank and standing in society on the basis of equality guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in our Constitution," Kindiki assured.

Regarding the ongoing security operation in the North Rift region against the banditry menace, the CS noted that 140 weapons have been recovered since it began 20 days ago, expressing confidence that the operation shall succeed and all illegal weapons in criminals' hands will be recovered in a bid to get to the root of the problem.

"We have witnessed continued theatrics by criminals who continue to exhibit a high level of impunity. Therefore, tomorrow we will be announcing new measures that will form phase 2 of this operation," the CS said.

During Matiang'i's six-hour stay at the DCI to record a statement, Raila arrived at the DCI headquarters in a fleet of black SUVs and a contingent of bodyguards, as well as supporters allied to Matiang'i who were still camped outside the gate.

However, security at the investigative agency's headquarters along Kiambu Road held him back momentarily, blocking his entry, a matter which infuriated him.

He moved to confront the security detail manning the entrance as he threatened to mobilise a forced entry into the premises.

"This is a public office, you want me to order these people (supporters) to open the gate by force? I have a right to go see the director. How can I be prevented to access, I have a right to go inside," Odinga charged at the officer.