Rigathi Gachagua Defends DCI, Claims NIS Deployed Killer Squad: "Were Recruited from APS"

Rigathi Gachagua Defends DCI, Claims NIS Deployed Killer Squad: "Were Recruited from APS"

  • Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the unmarked Subarus witnessed in various regions were operatives of the government
  • In a press briefing, he alleged how and when the officers were acquired, including areas where they were dropped ahead of the Saba Saba protests
  • Further, Gachagua decried ethnic profiling, claiming that the squad was also meant to destroy specific properties owned by people from the Mt Kenya region

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of deploying a state-sponsored killer squad during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests.

Former DP Rigathi Gachagua (left) blamed President William Ruto (right) for the murder of Kenyans during protests.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto were pictured at past events. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua/William Ruto.
Source: Facebook

The protests were marred by chaos, which resulted in the deaths of at least 30 peaceful and unarmed demonstrators as they took to the streets across the country.

According to the claims, a clandestine unit known as 'Squad 101,' allegedly operating under the command of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, was responsible for the shooting and killing of innocent protesters.

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"A killer squad of 101 that works under the director general of NIS, Noordin Haji, was armed with assault rifles and drove in a convoy of unmarked Subarus, shooting and killing innocent protesters aimlessly in the streets," the opposition leader stated.

The alleged group, said to be made up of specially trained officers recruited from the Administration Police Service, moved in convoys of unmarked Subarus and wore masks and hoods during the demonstrations.

Gachagua alleged that the squad’s deployment was facilitated by senior political figures, including President William Ruto, governors, and MPs allied to the president, to suppress dissent and control the narrative surrounding the ongoing anti-government protests.

Is DCI part of Squad 101?

According to the critical politician, they disguised themselves as Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers, despite existing court orders banning the use of concealed identities by law enforcement.

Gachagua alleged that while the squad appeared to be linked to the DCI, the vehicles and operations were facilitated by the NIS to give the false impression of the DCI's involvement.

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"The NIS has procured Subarus to give an impression that these killer gangs are from the DCI. The truth is, this has nothing to do with the DCI. The 101 squad was formed when I was still in government, and the officers were recruited from the Administration Police Service for special training by NIS on abductions, killings, and cover-ups. This is the squad that is killing the people of Kenya," he alleged.

The deployment of the unit allegedly targeted areas considered hostile to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

These, according to the DCP leader, include parts of Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Kisii, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Meru, Nyandarua, Machakos, Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, and Embu.

According to Gachagua, the operatives were reportedly dropped into these regions late at night and early in the morning under the supervision of local police, with some roadblocks mounted to aid the operation.

Rigathi Gachagua (left) claimed President William Ruto (right), his allied governors, and MPs procured the killer squad.
President William Ruto (l) and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua (l) were pictured together in a past meeting. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Facebook

Were Mt. Kenya businesses targeted during Saba Saba?

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He also made allegations of ethnic profiling, with claims that Kikuyu-owned businesses were deliberately looted and destroyed in what he termed 'economic sabotage.'

The coordinated attacks, he claimed, were aimed at inciting division and laying blame on specific communities.

"They had clear instructions to loot and destroy specific properties under the supervision of the police," he claimed.

While these allegations are yet to be independently verified, they come amid growing calls for accountability and investigations into the conduct of security agencies during the protests, which left dozens dead and hundreds injured.

Nice Digital City loses KSh 50m in destruction

Meanwhile, Charles Mkombozi, a businessman in Kirinyaga, revealed he lost property worth over KSh 50 million after his establishment, Nice Digital City, was looted and vandalised.

He credited GSU officers, reportedly sent by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, for saving part of the property from total destruction.

However, residents alleged the attack was politically motivated, claiming the looters were not from Mwea, where the business is located.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Nancy Odindo avatar

Nancy Odindo (Current affairs editor) I have one year of experience in print media and more than four years in digital media. I am currently working with Tuko.co.ke as a Current Affairs editor. I have attended training on Managing Sexual Harassment and Gender Equality and Inclusion, organised by WAN-IFRA and the Google News Initiative (GNI), designed to help journalists find, verify, and tell their stories. Email: nancy.odindo@tuko.co.ke/nancyodindo@gmail.com

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