Abducted Juja MP George Koimburi found injured as Gachagua cites rising political repression under Ruto
Gachagua condemned the alleged attack on Koimburi, terming it part of a pattern of political persecution targeting his party's leadership.
Missing Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi has been found critically injured at a coffee plantation in Nairobi, just hours after he was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals outside a church in Kiambu County.
In a video circulating online, the MP is seen writhing on the ground, visibly wounded and crying out in pain. Sources indicate the MP was been rushed to Plainsview Hospital near Ruiru town for treatment.
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Koimburi was reportedly abducted on Sunday while leaving a church service in Mugutha.
According to eyewitness accounts and statements from his wife, Ann Koimburi, two men disguised as worshippers joined a group of well-wishers greeting the MP after the service before suddenly overpowering him and forcing him into a silver Subaru Forester car with altered number plates, believed to be intended to obscure the vehicle’s true identity.
“We had just left church, and it is normal for Mheshimiwa to greet people, but they quickly turned on him and forced him into the car,” Mrs Koimburi said.
“They started hitting me from outside, and I felt as if my arm was broken. I had no choice but to let go of my husband.”
The two men, dressed in plain clothes, did not identify themselves during the incident.
Shocked
Video footage taken by witnesses shows the vehicle driving away from the scene as onlookers screamed in shock.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has, however, denied any involvement in the abduction. However, it confirmed that the MP had been under investigation since Friday in connection with alleged land fraud and misuse of the constituency development funds.
Mrs Koimburi expressed frustration over the lack of communication from authorities, noting that this is not the first time her husband has faced such treatment.
“The last time they arrested him, they took even his phone and car — we have not heard from them since. Now we are shocked because you are supposed to protect us, not cause us harm,” she said.
Political tensions
Koimburi’s alleged abduction and assault come in the wake of escalating political tensions between the Democratic Change Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and the government.
Just a day before the incident, a DCP meeting in Kakamega ended in chaos after police officers disrupted the event and clashed with party leaders, including the deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, whose vehicle was later impounded for alleged dangerous driving.
Gachagua condemned the alleged attack on Koimburi, terming it part of a pattern of political persecution targeting his party's leadership.
“It started with me; they assaulted me. Then, in Meru, they targeted Mithika Linturi. In Embu, Justin Muturi was attacked. Now in Murang’a, they have gone after our young leader, Ndindi Nyoro. This is not good, and there must be accountability,” he said.
He further accused President William Ruto’s administration of political intolerance and questioned the credibility of government-led economic programmes.
“Women sit under the hot sun all day, yet they are given only 500 shillings. What kind of empowerment is that? This needs to be investigated,” Gachagua said.
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