Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara summoned by DCI over alleged incitement
The DCI is probing what it terms as an “alleged offence of undermining the authority of a public officer” through remarks that reportedly incited public unrest.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara over alleged remarks deemed to undermine the authority of a public officer.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has been directed to appear before detectives at the DCI Headquarters on Kiambu Road on Monday, July 14 at 10:30 am, over allegations of disseminating inciteful or disruptive content in violation of Section 132 of the Penal Code.
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According to a letter signed by Assistant Inspector General of Police and Deputy Director of the Investigations Bureau, George Lenny Kisaka, the DCI is probing what it terms as an “alleged offence of undermining the authority of a public officer” through remarks that reportedly incited public unrest.
“I have reasons to believe that you, Hon Jayne Njeri Wanjiku Kihara, MP Naivasha Constituency, are connected to the offence or have information that can assist me in my investigations,” the summons reads in part.
Failure to honour the summons, the notice warns, will be treated as an offence punishable under Kenyan law.
The development comes amid heightened political friction, particularly among leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. One of Gachagua’s vocal supporters, Kihara has accused the government of weaponising state institutions to suppress dissent.
Reacting to the summons, Kihara described the move as politically motivated and a form of intimidation targeting critics of the current administration.
“The days of intimidating leaders using the criminal justice system are long gone. Summoning me to DCI headquarters tomorrow will not change Kenyans’ resolve because it’s not about Jayne Kihara but about our country, Kenya,” she said.
She directly addressed President William Ruto, saying his administration was adopting authoritarian tactics similar to previous regimes.
“Mr President, this is a tried and tested strategy; it has not worked before, and it will not work with you either,” she said.
“These political persecutions will not stop us from calling out this oppressive regime,” Kihara added, pledging to remain vocal in her criticism of what she called growing authoritarianism.
The MP also linked the summons to her recent speech at the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Murang’a County on Friday, July 11. Kariuki, a protester shot by police on June 17 in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), succumbed to injuries after spending 13 days in intensive care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The burial, which drew large crowds and political figures, saw Kihara deliver a scathing critique of police brutality and the government’s response to the Gen Z-led protests.
“I think it is connected to my speech during the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Murang’a County on Friday,” she said.
Kariuki’s death has intensified public outrage, especially following the earlier police shooting of teacher and blogger Gen Z inside Central Police Station. Pressure has since mounted for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
The police officer linked to Kariuki’s death, Constable Klinzy Barasa, has already been arraigned and is awaiting a mental health assessment before taking a plea on murder charges.
Kihara has also distanced herself from claims of sponsoring violence or hiring goons during the recent anti-government demonstrations.
“I have not participated in, financed, or organised any acts of violence,” she said, amid growing calls for investigations into Gachagua’s inner circle over alleged involvement in protest-related disruptions.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has previously alleged that President Ruto instructed the DCI to arrest those perceived to be loyal to him and claimed the crackdown was being coordinated by governors aligned with the President.
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