Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday, March 9, directed the police to treat security offices as protected areas after Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attempted to access the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on March 7.
Speaking during a press briefing, the CS noted that there was drama at the entrance of the DCI headquarters when his predecessor, Fred Matiang'i, had gone to record a statement over an alleged raid on his Karen home.
He stated that some of the politicians and the youth had dared to access the headquarters - a move that would have affected the work of the officers.
"Some politicians, ostensibly going to provide political solidarity to Dr Matiang’i, caused disturbances including threats to mobilise people to forcibly access the DCI headquarters.
"I direct all security agencies to ensure that our security facilities remain protected areas and should not be allowed to become a theatre for politics or rowdy and unlawful behaviour including unauthorised access," he stated.
On the other hand, he noted that no one would be spared if they attempted to access the offices without authorisation.
"Going forward, any person regardless of their rank in society who threatens to forcibly access security facilities or intimidate officers on duty will be dealt with firmly, ruthlessly and decisively in accordance with the law.
"The protection of our security facilities from political and other extraneous interferences apply to all without exemption and without regard to political affiliation," the CS stated.
Additionally, he announced that the government would review the process of recording statements to ensure that suspects are treated humanely and take a shorter time.
Notably, Matiang'i spent over six hours recording a statement at DCI.
"These standards shall apply to all persons under investigation regardless of their rank and standing in society on the basis of equality guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in our Constitution," Kindiki assured.
The pronouncements by Kindiki came days after Raila was turned away from the DCI after he showed up at the security agency to show solidarity for Matiang'i.
On his part, Raila wondered why he was being blocked from accessing the office of the DCI boss yet it was a public office.
“This is a public office. You want me to order these people (supporters) to open the gate by force. I have a right to go see the director. I have a right to go inside,” Raila responded to an officer manning the gate then.
