DCI apologizes for using the wrong photos during the Maandamano rally
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an apology after being called out for using the incorrect images to depict Monday’s ‘Maandamano’ protests.
In a Saturday social media post, DCI stated, “The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to apologize unreservedly to the public for the mix-up of images in yesterday’s communication, which was intended to request information on the whereabouts of criminal suspects involved in Monday’s illegal demonstrations.”
The DCI placed some responsibility on the citizens, stating, “The confusion was caused in part by the avalanche of information received via the #FichuakwaDCI online platform regarding the reported acts of violence. The Directorate continues to appeal to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects whose images appear below, even as we work to correct the situation and maintain public confidence in our operations. #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203.”
On Friday, the DCI released a series of images ostensibly revealing the identities of the criminals it said took advantage of the protests to damage property and attack innocent members of the public and on-duty police officers.
However, some of the images used were from prior protests, dating back to 2008, and one was not even in Kenya.
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A search of the image reveals that it was taken at a protest in Burundi in 2015 and used in an Al Jazeera article titled “Hundreds Arrested” in Burundi Due to Political Unrest.”
In a second image, a man is seen aiming a teargas canister at an unidentified target. However, the image appears to have been used for the first time in 2008.
The DCI announced on Friday that it has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the chaos on Monday.
Martha Karua, co-principal of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, criticized the DCI on Saturday for releasing the incorrect images and associating them with the Azimio maandamano protests.
Karua stated in a series of tweets that by posting the images, the DCI had shot itself in the foot and lost Kenyans’ trust.
“After the media expose the deliberately deceptive photo scandal, the DCI can no longer be trusted to the police or investigate fairly,” she declared.
She added that the agency owed Kenyans an apology for manipulating the Azimio protests through deception and portraying them in a negative light.
“We applaud the many police officers who continue to demonstrate professionalism and restraint while reminding the few who would rather break the law than uphold it that they will be held individually accountable.”
During the Monday protests led by Raila Odinga of the Azimio party, according to the DCI, property of unknown value was destroyed and 33 officers sustained injuries of varying degrees and are currently hospitalized.
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