Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji says arrest was politically motivated as Embu erupts in protest

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has dismissed the incitement allegations levelled against him as unfounded and politically driven, following his arrest on Monday, July 7, during the Saba Saba Day protests.

Addressing journalists outside Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, July 8, Mukunji alleged that the government was using his arrest as a tactic to intimidate him because of his political alignment and outspoken views on national matters.

“Of course, the charges that have been presented in court will not carry any weight. I want to assure people that I’m safe, and I would like to encourage our youths not to destroy property,” Mukunji said.

“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.”

Mukunji, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was arrested on Monday afternoon under unclear circumstances, sparking a wave of violent protests across Embu Town on Tuesday morning.

His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, said the MP was arrested around 3 pm and booked at Kibii Police Station at 3:53 pm under OB number 06/07/07/2025.

“The OCS (Kibii Police Station) has confirmed that he only booked him for the exclusive purpose of holding him,” Njiru said, adding that Mukunji was later transferred to Juja Police Station by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

No formal charge sheet

Although there were reports that the legislator would be charged with incitement to violence, no formal charge sheet was presented in court on Tuesday.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a brief statement confirming his arrest on Monday, did not provide any details on the specific reasons for his detention.

Embu Town was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday after news of the MP’s arrest spread, prompting protests led mainly by youth.

Demonstrators flooded the streets demanding his release, lighting bonfires and blocking key roads, including the Embu-Meru and Embu-Kiritiri highways, bringing traffic and business near the NHIF offices to a standstill.

Businesses, banks, supermarkets and government offices shut down for the second consecutive day, as clashes between police and demonstrators intensified.

Police deployed more units in trucks and Land Cruisers to contain the unrest, firing tear gas and shooting in the air to disperse crowds.

Ghost town

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• Headlines
• Embu town
• Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji
• Saba Saba Day protests
• incitement
• Kahawa Law Courts
• Rigathi Gachagua allies
• Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji says arrest was politically motivated as Embu erupts in protest
• Politics

However, tensions remained high for hours, turning Embu’s normally vibrant commercial centre into a ghost town.

Meanwhile, calls for Mukunji’s immediate release have continued to grow louder.

Supporters and leaders allied to him have accused the government of political persecution, demanding clarity on his whereabouts.

His vehicle reportedly remains parked at Kibii Police Station more than 24 hours after the arrest.

The NPS, in its latest update on the Saba Saba protests, reported that 567 people had been arrested nationwide, 11 killed and 63 others injured, including civilians and police officers.

“We encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information by reporting to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers,” NPS said.