Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's lawyers, on Tuesday, March 7, almost engaged in a fistfight with detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road.
Speaking to the media, lawyer Danstan Omari detailed that the legal team differed with the DCI officers after the detectives attempted to photograph Matiang'i while holding the DCI logo used for taking mugshots.
The attorneys opposed the move, arguing it would tarnish the former CS's reputation.
On the other hand, Omari argued that taking photographs at DCI was not anchored in the law.
"They took the fingerprints of the former CS, and we agreed that it was procedural. They then tried to get that famous DCI logo of petty thieves to put on the CS. We objected vehemently and almost exchanged blows.
"It's not provided for under any law. It had been declared illegal and unconstitutional. They oblidged," Omari divulged.
On the other hand, the lawyer indicated that the CS was only interrogated for a few minutes, with the major part of the grilling being consultations with the detectives.
DCI operatives were accused of deviating from the subject to question Matiang's source of wealth.
"They interrogated the CS for around 10 minutes and asked him about his property. We completely advised him not to respond to anything outside the summons. We advised the CS to invoke article 49 to remain silent.
"The officers consulted for the last 6 hours while we were in the boardroom with other lawyers," he stated.
Omari's statements were echoed by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who questioned why the police held their client for hours.
"Interesting times, with former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at DCI Kiambu. Five hours later, still held in abeyance after only 15 mins engagement. This, despite a High Court Order! This is no investigation, pure vendetta & witch-hunt. Sad indeed!" Amolo wondered.
The former CS arrived at the DCI headquarters minutes past 8 am. However, he accessed the premises minutes after 9 am.
Matiang'i was released minutes after 4 pm. According to a charge sheet seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the DCI preferred conspiracy to commit a felony and publication of false information charges.
This was after the ex-CS was accused of misleading the public of an unconfirmed raid at his home on February 8.
