PEOPLE

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has denied any involvement in the alleged abduction of Gideon Kibet hours after claims made by Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti. In a statement, the DCI distanced itself from Omtatah’s claim that they used one of their signature white Subaru cars while picking up the cartoonist.  “The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) takes note of the statement made by Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti regarding the reported sighting of a white Subaru vehicle linked to the alleged abduction of Gideon Kibet. We wish to emphasise that these allegations are being taken with utmost seriousness,” read the statement. The DCI reiterated that all police operations are conducted within the law. “The Inspector General (IG) has clearly stated that all police operations are conducted within the confines of the Constitution and established legal frameworks.” The DCI moreover assured the public that no extrajudicial actions are tolerated within their ranks. Talking of the recent alleged abductions, the DCI confirmed that investigations are underway and urged individuals with credible information to come forward, stating. “We urge any individuals with credible information on these matters to come forward and cooperate with our independent investigations.” The DCI further cautioned public leaders against making speculative statements that could impede ongoing investigations. “We urge public leaders to refrain from making speculative statements that may hinder the progress of ongoing investigations.” Omtatah had recently accused the DCI of using a white Subaru Forester that was parked next to his office in the Taj Tower in the aftermath of Kibet’s abduction.  The senator claimed that the car arrived at the same time Kibet arrived in his office for a meeting, staying there for the entirety of the meeting and leaving just moments after Kibet left.   “I strongly believe that Mr. Kibet was tracked and abducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations because, as soon as he arrived, my security informed me that they were monitoring a white Subaru, which was mounted with suspected spy communication gadgets used to intercept phone conversations,” he claimed. The abduction of Kibet adds to the growing list of Kenyans who have recently been abducted over their posts online.  Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi whereabouts are currently unknown after their alleged abductions.