We Almost Fought DCI Cops- Matiang'i's Lawyers

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i's lawyer, Danstan Omari has revealed that the contingent of lawyers who accompanied the former CS to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road almost exchanged blows with the detectives.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, March 7, Omari alleged that the DCI officers wanted to put the petty thieves’ logo on Matiang'i, but the lawyers were not having any of it.

He also reiterated that Matiang'i would be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and publication of false information regarding the alleged raid at his Karen residence on Wednesday, February 8.

“They tried to get that famous DCI logo of petty thieves to put on the CS but we objected vehemently and almost exchanged blows. It is not provided for under any law it has been declared illegal and unconstitutional by Justice Kimaru,” said Omari.

Omari further castigated the DCI over not revealing the day Matiang’i would be presented in court, noting that they are receiving orders from above.

He spoke as the DCI set free Matiang'i after hours of grilling him at the headquarters, with videos and photos capturing him walking out with his legal team.

The release came moments after Azimio la Umoja coalition leader, Raila Odinga, made a surprise visit to the DCI headquarters but was barred from even accessing the premises by security manning the gate, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Lawyer Otiende Amollo termed Matiang'i's detention after claiming that he was engaged for 15 minutes unlawful, accusing the DCI of being used to fight political battles.

"It is clear that this was not a criminal investigation. This was a vendetta and witch hunt. It is also clear that the DCI was not acting on their own motion, it is clear that they are awaiting instructions on what to do with Dr Matiang’i

"Let this government know that when you think you are mistreating Dr Matiang’i as a person, you are lowering the standing of the office he held. You are demonstrating to everyone that we are not a stable democracy, we are going towards a banana republic," he stated.

On his part, Matiang'i's former Cabinet colleague Eugene Wamalwa expressed his disgust regarding how Matiang'i has been treated ever since the alleged raid on Wednesday, February 8, warning President William Ruto against leading Kenya through an act of vengeance.

"A Minister for Interior who has worked with distinction for this great country, to be treated in the manner that he has been treated, for his home to have been raided, his children’s bedroom was broken into. This should not happen to any other Kenyan.

"We want to speak to Ruto directly, you cannot lead a country through vendetta, through vengeance, through vindictiveness. You might have had an axe to grind with Matiang’i but that is not how you lead the country. Let the law follow its course," he said.

DCI indicated in its charge sheet that the former CS had attempted to generate panic and ignite chaos or violence among members of the public.

“On February 8, 2023, at Karen Ngong View Estate within Nairobi County in the Republic of Kenya with intent to cause panic, chaos or violence amongst citizens of Kenya jointly with others published in the media that your house had been raided by a battalion and or “garrison” of officers intending to arrest you, a fact you knew to be false,” the DCI charge sheet read in part.

The DCI also indicated their decision to sue Matiang'i for the offence of misusing his digital communication technologies, informed by the publication of fake news regarding the alleged raid on the night of February 8.

Ex-CS Fred Matiang'i (left) discusses with his lawyer Otiende Amollo (right) outside DCI headquarters on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. /TWITTER.OTIENDE AMOLLO