On Thursday, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers allegedly assaulted journalists from Citizen TV, demanding they delete videos recorded while waiting for Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi outside the agency’s Nairobi headquarters.
The two leaders had been summoned to answer questions about a funeral disruption in Limuru, where thugs reportedly interrupted proceedings and forced former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to leave.
Citizen TV journalists, including photographer Agnes Oloo and the article’s author, were reportedly ambushed by officers led by a senior official who seized their cameras and demanded the footage be erased, threatening to destroy the equipment if they refused. TV47 journalist William Moiga also had his phone confiscated, though it was later returned.
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DCI Director Amin Mohamed and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja condemned the incident. “We apologize for what happened,” Mohamed stated.
Thang’wa and Mwathi, who had already been questioned in Nyeri, maintained their innocence, stating they were victims of the funeral chaos. “We have insisted we have nothing to report. We are the victims of the attack,” said Thang’wa’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru.
The leaders denied any involvement in funding the disruption and called for a public inquiry. “We have decided to remain silent. We are asking them to conduct a public inquiry,” Thang’wa said.
Supporters of the two leaders criticized the government for allegedly targeting Gachagua’s allies. Former Limuru Ward Rep. Mercy Nungari said, “Those who carried out the invasion are on video; the government should go after them.” Joseph Karichu, a leader from Lari, questioned why the victims were being treated as suspects.
After questioning, Thang’wa and Mwathi were released without charges.
