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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, recently ousted from office, was expected to meet with investigators Tuesday but failed to appear, leaving critical allegations of assassination attempts hanging in the balance. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had extended an invitation for Gachagua to provide details on claims he made about attempts on his life. However, Gachagua chose not to attend the scheduled meeting.
The allegations stem from an October 20 press conference where Gachagua made startling claims about two separate attempts to poison him. In one instance, he accused undercover security agents of trying to tamper with his food during a trip to Kisumu in August. He described how his room had been bugged and how he narrowly escaped what he believes was a deliberate plot to kill him through food poisoning. A second claim involved an alleged assassination attempt in Nyeri, where members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders were supposedly targeted alongside him by operatives from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Gachagua’s accusations sent shockwaves through the political scene, fueling speculation about internal tensions within the government and raising questions about the level of security surrounding high-ranking officials. As a high-profile figure who was once second in command, any threat to Gachagua’s life naturally becomes a matter of national concern.
However, his decision not to report to the DCI has drawn mixed reactions. Some view his no-show as an indication of political maneuvering, while others believe it could be a sign of fear or mistrust toward the investigative body. Gachagua has been entangled in a series of legal and political controversies since his impeachment earlier this year, and this latest episode seems to deepen the rift between him and the current administration.
The DCI, for its part, has shown a willingness to pursue the matter seriously. In a letter signed by DCI’s head of communications, the agency stressed the importance of Gachagua’s presence to formally document the assassination claims. “These allegations, coming from a figure of your stature, must be thoroughly investigated to ensure your safety and the integrity of public trust,” the letter read. The investigative body noted that without Gachagua’s statement, they cannot move forward with a comprehensive investigation.
Observers have also noted that Gachagua’s allegations came at a time when tensions between him and the current leadership had reached their peak. His impeachment, coupled with the frequent public spats between him and government officials, has contributed to a narrative of deep-seated conflict within the country’s political elite.
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