Unmasking Zachary Kariuki, the Retired Officer Leading the Abduction Squad

Zachary Kariuki, a retired police officer and long-time associate of DCI Director Mohammed Amin, is the man running the Operations Support Unit (OSU), a secretive police unit now facing scrutiny over claims of involvement in the targeting and abduction of government critics.

A source familiar with the unit’s operations claimed that Kariuki currently serves as Amin’s driver and has been retained on a contract running until August 2027, when the next general election is expected to be held.

“He is on contract, and he is the only officer serving on such terms,” the source said.

According to the source, Kariuki’s proximity to the DCI leadership has given him considerable influence within the unit despite his retired status.

The source further claimed that although many of the officers attached to the unit are junior in rank, “they do not take instructions even from the AIG. They report to DCI boss Mohammed Amin, DIG Lagat and a State House operative.”

Also Read: NPS Breaks Silence on Standard Group Editor’s Abduction as IG Kanja Orders Probe

The OSU, the source said, was formed in late 2022 following the disbandment of the Special Support Unit, whose officers had been accused of abducting two Indian nationals.

Abduction of Alex Kiprotich, Standard Media Group Editor

“They were formed to take on armed and hardcore criminals. However, after the Gen Z protests, their brief changed to targeting government critics,” the source added.

The unit has now come under renewed scrutiny following the alleged abduction of Alex Kiprotich, Standard Media Group Editor.

Also Read: Standard Group Editor Reveals Details of Abductors After Being Found Safe

Dashboard camera footage from Kiprotich’s vehicle captured the frightening moment when four men surrounded his car and demanded that he step out.

The Standard can establish that the officer seen wielding a gun and shouting, “Utaona maajabu,” has been identified as Corporal Chemosit, who serves in the OSU under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

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DCI Headquarters PHOTO/DCI