A detective involved in the investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate the deputy president has denied claims he threatened a witness.
The witness was scheduled to testify against Dennis Itumbi who was also presented in court over connections to the case.
Samuel Gateri, the witness, had alleged that he was forced to testify against Itumbi.
Chief Inspector Maina nonetheless on Monday informed the court that he did not take a statement from the witness but was rather investigating the witness in an effort to press charges.
“The applicant refused to give his statement and it was not taken from him at the time of his release from Muthaiga Police Station. Sergeant Ruto and I, as the arresting and investigating officers, released the applicant subject to further investigations, but we could not release the phones to him, as they were on the basis of the contents stored there in that were treated and kept as exhibits,” Maina claimed as quoted by Standard .
The officer further revealed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was investigating communications in a WhatsApp group which members were reportedly seeking to influence support for Deputy President William Ruto in the 2022 elections.
According to the officer, the information they had showed tmGateri, was a member of the Tangatanga WhatsApp group.
Gateri had claimed that he was forced to admit to having a phone conversation with DP Ruto.