- DP suggests state agents attacked and tortured Itumb
- Itumbi has been attacking many people including government officials on social media
Deputy President William Ruto sensationally claimed his Digital Strategist and blogger Dennis Itumbi was tortured by people who should be there to protect him.
Ruto said Wednesday he spent time with Itumbi in hospital and concluded his attackers wanted to kill his spirit.
“Spent time with Comrade DI (Dennis Itumbi) last evening (Tuesday), saw his heavily bandaged arm and legs, the result of torture by people who should have been there to protect him and us all.”
“They have now turned violent and fatalistic after all the negative narratives, threats and blackmail against us failed,” he said.
He added Itumbi is strong and in very high spirits though doctors say he will be confined to bed for a month.
“Like Dennis, we all must be strong knowing that in a few months we will defeat impunity, entitlement, kiburi na madharau (pride and despise) and free our nation for good.”
The comments coming from the man who is second in command of the country were seen to be strong and telling.
He seemed to follow the narrative by most UDA leaders who accused state agents of being behind the incident that happed on December 23.
The vocal blogger has not shied away from attacking senior government officials on several occasions.
Itumbi was abducted as he left a barber shop and later tortured before he was abandoned in Lakisama area, Kasarani, Nairobi.
He had broken hand and his legs were slightly injured after being knocked by hammer, he said.
And since then, there has been blame game from various parties.
The DP’s comments sparked a flurry of replies on his social media accounts from those online.
Police have denied involvement in the incident. They want to interrogate Itumbi who is admitted at the Nairobi West Hospital as part of efforts to get those behind the incident and motive.
A team pursuing the matter said they are waiting for Itumbi to recover and be able to talk before seeking his statement.
The team will also talk to witnesses who saw the drama happen outside a barber shop in Thindigwa area, Kiambu County.
This, according to the team will give them a clear picture on the issue amid speculations on the same.
The team is yet to visit the scene of the incident. They said their efforts to trace a car that was said to have been used in the abduction hit a brick wall after it emerged the details given by witnesses do not match with those in official records.
Whereas witnesses said they saw the car being a Toyota Allion, details show it is a Mitsubish.
Police spokesman Bruno Shioso said they are investigating the incident. “We appeal to members of the public to be patient during the investigations and should therefore desist from speculation,” said Shioso.
“We further appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding the incident to volunteer and report to any police station or through our hotline number 999,112 or 0800 722203,” added the spokesperson.
The motive of the incident is yet to be known. He had injuries on most of his body parts when he was found naked by a taxi driver.
He was naked at the time and he told the driver he thought he was in Eldoret. His mobile phone was missing then.
His brother David said Itumbi told them the people who abducted and beat him up claimed to be police officers. Police have denied knowledge of the claims.
His abductors apparently changed to different cars as they drove around with him.
At 11:22pm, Itumbi’s brother David received a call from a number belonging to a Mr Makokha, a taxi driver who had found Itumbi limping in the Lucky Summer area near Kasarani stadium.
“Itumbi was severely injured and in great pain, having been tortured at length as his abductors drove him around the city. He was eventually thrown out of the car into a thicket and left for dead.”
“He managed to crawl to the nearest road, where he sought help from bodaboda riders and this is where Mr Makokha recognised him and offered to help,” a group of MPs said.
A passing taxi driver recognised Itumbi in his state, and found warm clothes for him, after which he was taken to hospital.
They added Itumbi suffered extensive torture, including repeatedly battery of his limbs with a hammer, and sustained soft tissue injuries as well as fractures.
They added Itumbi had confirmed that his abductors took turns to beat him while warning him that the torture was revenge for his social media coverage some top government officials.
The abductors handcuffed him from behind and tied his legs with a rope.