Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji vows to 'keep fighting for Kenyans' following release

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji vows to 'keep fighting for Kenyans' following release

The MP was released on a cash bail of Sh300,000 or an alternative surety bond of Ksh1 million after spending three days in custody.

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has reaffirmed his dedication to defending the rights of Kenyans, shortly after being released from police custody.

His arrest had sparked anger and protests in his home county, but the MP maintains that his resolve remains firm.

Speaking on Thursday, after his release, Mukunji thanked his supporters and assured them that he would not back down in the face of what he termed as attempts to silence him.

"I would like to thank the people of Embu and the people of Kenya for the support, and that's the spirit, we will always continue to defend the rights of our people," Mukunji affirmed.

The MP was released on a cash bail of Sh300,000 or an alternative surety bond of Sh1 million after spending three days in custody.

Senior Magistrate Kipkemoi Koech dismissed a request by the police to hold Mukunji and two others for an extra 14 days. Instead, the court allowed them to leave on bail.

Mukunji was arrested on Monday, July 7, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrest, which took place in Mang’u, Kiambu County, around 3 pm.

He was initially taken to Kibii Police Station before being moved to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

Although no official reason was provided by the police, it is widely believed that the arrest was linked to the violence and unrest that broke out during the Saba Saba protests.

The MP is known to be a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and has previously accused the government of targeting him for political reasons.

At the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, July 8, Mukunji dismissed the charges against him, claiming they were baseless and politically motivated.

"I will not be intimidated because I will continue defending my people, but the loss of property and businesses and loss of life is something that we have to stop," he added.

His arrest triggered demonstrations in Embu, with residents demanding his immediate release. Protesters filled the streets, calling the move an attack on their democratic rights.

At the same time, some leaders allied to the DCP party, led by Gachagua, have rallied behind Mukunji.

They view him as a strong contender for the Embu gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections, positioning him as a key political figure in the region's future.

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