Imenti Central MP Gideon Mwiti grilled again over rape claim, DPP joins probe

Imenti Central MP Gideon Mwiti was grilled for the second time Thursday over claims he assaulted and raped a woman in his private office in Nairobi.

The fresh grilling was reportedly ordered by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as MP's initial statement had inconsistencies.

Thursday, Mr Mwiti was accompanied by lawyer John Khaminwa when he arrived at the Parklands Police Station for further questioning.

Unlike in the past when he freely talked to the media, Thursday he seemed disturbed and sullen and let Khaminwa address journalists.

They met a team that is investigating the incident that had been joined by a prosecutor from DPP's office for almost three hours.

"We were asked to come for another statement and that is what we have done. We will update you on the same," said Mr Khaminwa.

In the meantime, another team of detectives was holed up in a meeting at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters along Kiambu Road to analyse what officials termed as evidence gathered so far.

Part of the evidence they were waiting to review was the DNA results from the Government Chemist to confirm if indeed the incident happened.

"They are making a decision on whether to prefer charges or not. If any, tomorrow may be decision day," said an officer aware of the probe.

The development came as the former journalist was discharged from the Nairobi Women's Hospital where she had been admitted since Sunday morning.

Her husband said she will be counselled at home.

"We are home now and all we ask for is justice. There is nothing that can heal the heart for now," said the husband.

DPP Keriako Tobiko said he had seconded an officer to help the detectives in gathering evidence before a decision is made.

"We are happy with the progress so far and when a decision is made, we will let the public know. They are doing a good work," said Mr Tobiko.

The doctor mentioned in the saga was also summoned for fresh grilling at the Parklands Police Station on Wednesday.

Dr David Mwangi Muchiri of Fig Tree Medical Centre was summoned by detectives for fresh grilling.

Police have so far recorded statements from eight people, including the taxi driver who picked up the woman from the scene to Pizza Garden where she had parked her car, bar attendants, the MP's driver and victim's husband.

The taxi driver who drove her from the scene has since revealed how traumatised the woman was when she ran out of the building, crying and saying she had been raped.

Focus into the alleged rape has now shifted to the Government Chemist, the only institution that is expected to provide forensic evidence to the rape saga.

Analysts and technologists at the department which has a backlog of over 1,100 untested DNA samples due to staff constraints will speed up the matter involving the MP due to public pressure.

"In about a week or so, the results of the forensic analysis will be out," an officer said.

Earlier in the week, samples were extracted from the inside of the MP's mouth for DNA analysis. The sample results will be matched with that of the rape victim to establish the level of contact between the MP and the journalist.

The samples are being handled by the serology department that deals with rape and murder charges.

Victim's lawyer Harun Ndubi said that a final medical report had been handed to the police who are investigating the matter.

-Additional reporting by Nyambega Gisesa