DCI Summons MP Allied to Gachagua Over Saba Saba Chaos

Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has been summoned to appear before Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives on Monday over allegations of inciting public disorder during recent anti-government demonstrations.

The summons, issued by Deputy Director of the Investigations Bureau George Lenny Kisaka, accuses the legislator of “undermining the authority of a public officer contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code” through alleged dissemination of inciteful content.

Speaking to reporters, Kihara attributed the summons to her vocal support for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting the investigation is politically motivated.

“I think it is connected to my speech during the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Murang’a County on Friday,” she said.

Kariuki, a civilian shot by police during June demonstrations, died after 13 days in intensive care at Kenyatta National Hospital.

His death became a rallying point for protesters demanding accountability from security forces.

The MP also believes the summons relate to the July 7 demonstrations that swept across the country, commonly referred to as “Saba Saba” protests.

However, Kihara denied any involvement in organizing the demonstrations, stating she was in Nairobi rather than her constituency on that day.

“They think I know something, so they want to question me on the July 7 demonstrations,” she said, while denying any role in sponsoring violence or property destruction that occurred during the protests.

The summons comes as part of a wider government crackdown on politicians allegedly linked to the recent wave of anti-government demonstrations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen previously described the June 25 protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent” and directed the DCI to investigate.

CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

Several other politicians allied to Deputy President Gachagua have already been arrested and charged, including Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Democracy for Citizens Party youth leader Wanjiku Thiga, and Kiambu leader Peter Kinyanjui.

The demonstrations have had significant economic consequences, with traders in Naivasha town reporting losses running into millions following the June 25 protests.

Kihara’s own office was torched during last year’s Gen Z demonstrations after she voted in favor of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

Sources within the DCI have reportedly indicated pressure to link Deputy President Gachagua to the demonstrations, though investigators say no evidence has emerged from interviewed suspects to support such connections.

The summons represents the latest escalation in tensions between the government and opposition figures, as authorities seek to contain what they describe as orchestrated attempts to destabilize the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kihara is expected to appear before DCI detectives on Monday to answer questions about her alleged role in the recent unrest that has gripped parts of the country.