Aston Lukoye
Following the intentional publication of false images of the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations held on March 20, 2023, which were uncovered on Friday, March 24, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an apology to the general public.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 25, the DCI explained that the confusion, which led to the publication of photos from previous events, was brought on by a mix-up partially due to the massive amount of information about the protests it received through its anonymous internet platform.
“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 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,” stated the DCI in part.
They apologize after many fact-checking investigations revealed that some of the pictures were actually taken in the past during rallies in other nations, such Burundi.
MARTHA KARUA SPEAKS
Martha Karua, the head of the Narc Kenya Party, was one of many who turned against the DCI when the fake images were revealed on the 9 p.m. prime time news. She requested an apology from the DCI and the National Police Service (NPS), which has not yet commented on the situation.
“DCI can no longer be trusted to 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,” she tweeted in part.
However, she praised the police officers who used restraint during the previous protests and criticized 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.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations declared on Friday, March 24, that it was conducting investigations to apprehend anyone seen on surveillance footage damaging government property during the protests on Monday, March 20.
The DCI ordered everyone who was seen in the pictures and video that were posted from the demonstrations to turn themselves in at the unit’s headquarters by Friday, March 24, 5 p.m.
