ODPP Approves Charges Against Rigathi Allies Over Protests Incitement
The charges brought against Deputy President Rigathi’s close allies and Aides in connection with the June 25th protests and the ones that followed have been approved by the Office of Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
The ODPP, in its outcome after streaking through the document, has stated that there is sufficient evidence to charge the said suspects.
“The inquiry file was placed before the Director of Public Prosecution for perusal and directions. Upon careful perusal, the DPP has directed that there is sufficient evidence to charge the suspects with the offense of conspiracy to commit felony contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code.” the ODPP.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had recommended the four individuals be charged with an offense linking them to planning, mobilizing, and financing protests that turned violent on June 25th.
Embakasi Central and North MPs, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru and Hon. James Mwangi, who are close associates of the Deputy President, are said to have sponsored the violent protests that almost sunk Ruto’s government.
The former Embakasi West legislature. Hon. George Theuri and Gachagua’s aide, Mr. Pius G. Munene, are also set to be charged on the same.
The DCI recommended the four be charged with soliciting people to commit the offense, conspiracy to commit a felony, and involvement in the money laundering activities.
The Deputy President, currently facing an impeachment motion yet to be tabled at the national assembly, described the move as an outdated means of using the criminal justice system to manage politics.
“The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is an outdated political strategy that was used in the past,” said Gachagua.
The June 25th protests, a lasting trail of security loopholes in the intelligence service sector, got exposed after the Parliament was stormed by the irate protesters who objected to the Finance Bill 2024. The subsequent demonstration turned violent too with uncontrollable goon infiltration, which forced the police force to issue a statement banning protests within the Nairobi CBD.
Besides that, police used rounds of bullets against protesters, causing a massive number of fatal cases and bullet-related wounds. Up to 60 youths were reported shot, with hundreds arbitrarily arrested and kidnapped.
President Ruto, while in Berlin earlier this month, said the protests were as a result of misinformation, which has since been rectified. He repeated the same statement and said criminal gangs infiltrated the peaceful protests in an interview with CNN’s chief international news anchor, Christiane Amanpour.
