DCI Boss Amin Accuses Gachagua of ‘Media Theatrics’ Over Assassination Claims

The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of engaging in “media theatrics” over claims of assassination attempts, urging him to lodge a formal complaint at a police station.

Amin’s remarks, made on Saturday, follow Gachagua’s public allegations on April 15 that his life was in danger after the withdrawal of his security detail, claims he has yet to substantiate with a formal report despite earlier directives from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

Amin criticized Gachagua for failing to follow protocol, stating, “the former Deputy President has been directed to report any threats to the nearest police station, but weeks later, he has not done so. Playing with crucial security measures through media theatrics is unacceptable.”

The DCI boss’s comments highlight growing tensions between Gachagua and security agencies, particularly the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which he has repeatedly accused of surveillance and intimidation.

Gachagua

Gachagua’s allegations include a specific incident on December 19, 2024, when he claimed to have been trailed for over 150 kilometers in Makueni County by an NIS officer using a vehicle with a fake number plate (KCR 919U).

He also cited an attack during a funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu County, on November 28, 2024, as evidence of threats to his life.

He also cited another incident that occurred in Shamata, Nyandarua County, on 28th December 2024, when a police inspector reportedly threw teargas at him to facilitate an assassination attempt.

Further allegations include a disrupted prayer rally in Nyeri on 18th January 2025, where his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, was forced to flee after gangs stormed the event. Similar attacks were reported at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri on 23rd March 2025 and PCEA Kasarani East Parish on 6th April 2025, where armed assailants caused chaos with no police intervention.

In a letter dated April 15, 2025, Gachagua demanded that the NIS cease stalking him and his family, further escalating his criticism of IG Kanja for allegedly facilitating the security withdrawal.

In a similar case, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi raised similar concerns about his safety on April 8, 2025, after his security detail was withdrawn.

Muturi, a vocal critic of President William Ruto, alleged the move was retaliatory, linking it to his refusal to sign a $1 billion tree-planting deal with Russian oligarchs at COP 28 in Dubai in 2023.

Justin Muturi

However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen swiftly dismissed Muturi’s claims, stating on April 8 that the security changes were a routine procedure for former public office holders.

“We scale down security for all former officials, including myself if I leave office. This is standard and not political,” Murkomen said.

Both Gachagua and Muturi have been outspoken critics of the government since their respective fallouts, frequently targeting the NIS.

Muturi, in January 2025, accused NIS Director-General Noordin Haji of orchestrating the abduction of his son, Leslie, last year, claiming it required President Ruto’s intervention to secure his release.