The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, December 26, responded to Senator Okiya Omtatah over allegations that they were involved in the abduction of popular cartoonist Kibet Bull, formally Gideon Kibet.
In a statement on Thursday evening, 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 investigative body denied any links to the vehicle and rubbished claims of their alleged involvement in the abduction adding that this was a ploy to ‘sensationalise’ a very sensitive matter.
A photo collage of Busia senator Okiya Omtatah and X cartoonist Kibet Bull.
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“Firstly, we wish to clarify that the DCI categorically denies any accusation with the vehicle in question. The suggestion that a vehicle belonging to the DCI was involved in any alleged abduction is not only unfounded but also sensationalises a sensitive issue that is currently under thorough investigation,” the DCI added.
While seemingly targeting Omtatah and a host of other public leaders who voiced out their opinions over the surge in abductions, the DCI urged these opinion leaders to refrain from making comments and statements that were not grounded in fact.
“The integrity of our investigations is paramount, and we take any attempts to undermine this process seriously. The DCI is fully committed to expediting these investigations, and we urge public leaders to refrain from making speculative statements that may hinder the progress of ongoing investigations,” the investigative body asserted.
Omtatah, on December 26, 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. Omtatah 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.
However, in what is turning out to be a contrasting turn of events, the DCI denied their involvement adding that they were aware of the increased rate of abductions in the country. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in an earlier statement, pointed an accussatory finger at ‘criminals’ who he blamed for the abductions.
“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 supports this stance and reassures the public that no extrajudicial actions will be tolerated within our ranks,” the DCI averred.
“We have received reports of alleged abductions, and the DCI is diligently working to investigate these claims. We urge any individuals with credible information on these matters to come forward and cooperate with our independent investigations. The DCI remains open and transparent in handling such cases, ensuring that justice is pursued without prejudice or compromise,” the statement added.
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.
A photo collage of Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi who were reportedly abducted for sharing AI generated images of the President.
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