After being criticized for utilizing inaccurate images of the March 20 Azimio protests, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations issued a formal apologies.
The investigating agency stated in a statement that the error was caused by the information that the public provided as part of its Fichua campaign.
DCI reaffirmed that it was still looking for people responsible for damaging property during the rally, nevertheless.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to unreservedly apologize to the public for the mix-up of images in yesterday’s communication, which was meant to appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of criminal suspects involved in Monday’s illegal demonstrations.”
The DCI pushed part of the blame on citizens, saying, “The mix-up was partly occasioned by the overwhelming information that we had received via the #FichuakwaDCI online platform regarding the reported incidents of violence.
While we work towards rectifying the same and maintaining public confidence in our operations, the Directorate continues to appeal to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects whose images appear below. #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203.”
Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua on Saturday, March 26, demanded an apology from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after the latter was exposed for using misleading photos.
In a statement, she noted that the various fact-checks indicated that the photos of violence – which DCI claimed were from Azimio’s protest – were taken from past events and other countries.
Karua questioned the security agency’s motive, claiming that the plan was to disrupt the protests by the Raila Odinga-led faction.
“DCI can no longer be trusted to the police or investigate fairly after the deliberately misleading photos debacle exposed by the media.
“This confirms that the illegitimate regime used sections of the police & thugs to brutalize protesters last Monday and to cause destruction and are planning to do a repeat on Monday 27,” read the statement in part.
Karua also noted that some officers showed restraint during the past demonstration and called out their colleagues for using excessive force.
“We salute the many police officers who continue to maintain professionalism and to show great restraint while reminding the few bent on breaking the law instead of upholding it that they will be held to account individually,’ Karua stated.
On Friday, March 24, DCI ordered ‘individuals’ in the captured fake photos to avail themselves at its Kiambu Road headquarters for questioning.
