DCI exposed for using old photos, Burundi protests in hunt for Azimio demos suspects

The hunt for a section of protesters who took part in Monday demonstrations led by opposition leader Raila Odinga has left the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on the spot after it emerged that some of the images circulated were taken years back one taken during protests in Burundi.

A quick image search reveals that some of the photos circulated by the DCI were taken years back and not during the Monday protests.

Additionally, not all of them were taken in Kenya.

Among the photos shared by the DCI claiming to be protesters is one which was taken on May 01, 2015 in Burundi when a section of residents took to the streets to urge the then president Pierre Nkurunziza not to run for another term.

A collage image showing a photo that was used by Aljazeera reporting on protests in Burundi in 2015. The same image (R) as shared by DCI in the hunt for a section of those who took part in Monday protests. Pulse Live Kenya

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has released photos of Kenyans who are wanted for allegedly participating in vandalism during the Azimio la Umoja protest on Monday, March 20.

An image that was used by DW on August 16, 2022 when reporting on President William Ruto’s victory in the August 2022 elections is among those shared by the DCI in its request to have those who participated in Monday protests to surrender. Pulse Live Kenya

In a statement on Friday, March 24, the DCI said that persons whose photos appeared in the statement should report to the Serious Crimes offices based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu road.

READ: DCI goes after man captured vandalising Tom Mboya Street sign during Azimio demo

"The criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property," the DCI statement read in part.

"In this regard, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations cautions members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in our constitution, these rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others," the statement continued.

A photo that was first published in 2008 which was shared by the DCI in its request to have those who participated in Monday protests to surrender. Pulse Live Kenya

The demonstrations was characterized by violence as protesters clashed with police deployed across the city.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga announced that the protests would be held on Mondays and Thursdays starting next week.