I’ll not be cowed, Kinoti warns critics
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti (right) has vowed not to relent in his determination to fight corruption and other criminal activities despite the many hurdles put on his way.
Kinoti said he would take action against anybody found culpable of criminal activity regardless of their status in society and the consequences that may befall him.
Revisiting the incident where he was almost hauled to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison for not handing over some firearms to Safina Party presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi, Kinoti said he has no regrets about it as it was part of the many challenges he has faced.
“During my tenure in office, I have been through many difficulties and persecutions. But I will never betray the faith and confidence that Kenyans have in me. I say it from the bottom of my heart that even if I was to go to jail, I will do it for the sake of Kenyans,” Kinoti said.
Commemoration service
The DCI was speaking at Kiamwingo Village in Kibirichia location, Buuri constituency, Meru, on Sunday during a commemoration service of his parents-in-laws, Julia Karamburi and John M’Ringera.
Without mentioning names, he told off individuals issuing threats to his office, and vowed he would not be cowed.
Late last year, the Court of Appeal suspended a warrant of arrest issued against him by the High Court for failing to present himself to Kamiti prison to serve a four-month term.
Kinoti was sentenced for contempt of court after he delayed to return businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s guns, as ordered.
But judges Fatuma Sichale, Imaana Laibuta and Mbogholi Msagha temporarily suspended Justice Anthony Mrima’s warrant until April 1 this year when they will determine whether he should enjoy the court’s shield until his appeal is heard and determined.
Two weeks ago, Deputy President William Ruto, while delivering his acceptance speech as the presidential aspirant of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), during its National Delegates Conference (NDC), threatened to deal with Kinoti’s DCI, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Ruto accused them of targeting his allies. But on Sunday, Kinoti denied such claims, insisting he only goes for “bad elements” in society.
“Ours is a professional entity that does not target anybody, contrary to what is being said by some people. We only go for criminals,” Kinoti said.
The occasion was attended by Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia, deputy chairman of Mount Kenya Foundation Titus Ibui and MPs Mpuri Aburi, Rahim Dawood and Kinoti Gatobu. Vote for Azimio
Ameru leaders told members of their community that they risked being left out of the government if they failed to vote for Azimio la Umoja.
Murungi and Kobia said the community would make a terrible mistake if it failed to heed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advice to vote for Azimio presidential hopeful Raila Odinga.
“It would be the biggest mistake that you could make, a decision that would leave you in the opposition. With such a mistake, all your sons and daughters from this region holding senior positions in government would lose them,” said Murungi.
He disclosed that he would not disband his Devolution Empowerment Party, popularly known as Bus, saying it would be used as a bargaining tool with other parties.
He refuted claims that Raila was being pushed down the throats of Kenyans and instead urged the Meru community to evaluate all aspirants and make informed decisions.
Murungi said under Uhuru’s administration, several people from the region had benefitted by being appointed to high-ranking influential positions in government.
Guard what you have
Kobia, on her part, urged the community to guard whatever they had in their hands and not be blinded by promises from unnamed corners.
“Make sure you get your arithmetic right. Know who among the presidential aspirants has the highest chances of winning. That is the person to vote for,” she said.
The leaders showered praises on Kinoti for initiating several development projects in the region on health, education and water.
