Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was subjected to sharp criticism from Kenyans over his sentiments regarding the investigation of graft cases involving governors.
Led by Citizen TV’s Editorial Director, Linus Kaikai, and Raila Odinga presidential secretariat spokesperson prof Makau Mutua, Kenyans expressed their displeasure over Gachagua’s statements lamenting that they would hamper the fight against graft.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s News Gang show on Thursday, September 15, Kaikai stated that governors could get preferential treatment as they may take advantage of the new policy.
Kaikai warned the new government that corruption was still a big challenge in the country despite the steps made to curb the vice.
“The sentiments of the DP should be found disturbing. First, that hints at preferential treatment for governors or elected leaders suspected of corruption and secondly that government offices should be out of bounce for investigative officers.
“The DP and the new administration should be drawn to undeniable facts. Government offices have been abused previously. All high-level cases such as Goldenberg, NYS have traced back to government offices,” he stated.
Kaikai’s sentiments were echoed by Makau Mutua who opined that Gachagua’s remarks were a demonstration of the new administration’s laxity to fight graft.
“Gachagua’s remarks about the DCI are shocking. Governors and senior state officers aren’t above the law, and any qualified detective or police officer should investigate or arrest them for a cause.
“The DP believes crime investigation should have a hierarchy. Impunity,” he stated.
Speaking during the induction of the newly sworn-in governors in Mombasa on September 15, the DP revealed that they had given a directive to the DCI regarding the investigation of corruption cases involving governors.
Notably, he stated that their administration would address the process of investigations of governors misused by President Uhuru’s government.
“We have told DCI to go back to Kiambu Road and wait for crime to be reported there. They have no business in government offices hovering all over and causing a toxic environment for service delivery. We cannot have DCI in offices because they poison the atmosphere for civil servants to work.
“We are not saying that we do not fight graft but let us have respect for elected leaders. Let the head of the body write to the governor himself and not assign it to junior officers,” he stated.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE