Photo with MP exonerates man from DCI’s wanted list

Responding to the DCI’s call for listed persons to visit the nearest DCI offices, Basweti surrendered himself at the Kenyenya DCI offices.

As the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intensifies its manhunt for suspects involved in criminal activities during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, a significant development has emerged.

Dennis Basweti, initially listed among the wanted persons, has been exonerated after new evidence came to light.

Responding to the DCI’s call for wanted individuals to come forward, Basweti presented himself at the Kenyenya DCI offices. He explained that the photos showing him in Parliament during the protests were actually taken earlier on June 10, 2024.

Basweti had visited Parliament upon the invitation of his Member of Parliament, Hon. Silvanus Osoro.

“Earlier today, Mr. Basweti surrendered himself at Kenyenya DCI offices and recorded a statement indicating that his circulated photos, alleged to show him occupying Parliament during the protests, were actually taken on June 10, 2024, during a visit upon the invitation of his MP, Hon. Silvanus Osoro,” said the DCI in a statement.

MP Silvanus Osoro provided further context to Basweti’s visit and the subsequent misunderstanding. The South Mugirango lawmaker confirmed that Basweti had indeed visited him in the National Assembly, during which he took him around the chambers.

“Pastor Basweti N. Dennis visited me in Parliament a month ago. I took him on a tour of the chambers, and he took selfies and videos with excitement. He posted them on his Facebook page on June 10, 2024,” said Osoro.

Osoro explained how the photos were misinterpreted by netizens during the peak of the anti-Finance Bill protests.

“During the protests, excited netizens downloaded the said photos/videos with hashtags ‘tumefika bunge.’ The police might have thought it was a recent video taken during the protests,” said Osoro.

After thorough verification, the DCI confirmed Basweti’s narrative and issued an apology. They commended him for his cooperation and trust in the investigative process.

Osoro urged others in similar situations to follow Basweti’s example.