Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that Juja Member of Parliament, George Koimburi, was poisoned using a chemical substance that has left him unable to speak.
According to Gachagua, Koimburi’s vocal cords were severely damaged after he was exposed to harmful chemicals, leaving him extremely weak and unable to move properly.
Speaking to journalists outside the Karen Hospital on Monday evening, Gachagua disclosed that he had visited the hospitalised MP and was shocked by his condition.
He described Koimburi as frail and in a worrying state. This revelation came just hours after Koimburi was reportedly found abandoned on a coffee farm in Kiambu County, following his mysterious disappearance that had sparked concern among his supporters.
Gachagua strongly condemned what he called “desperate and brutal tactics” allegedly being used by the government to intimidate and silence outspoken critics. He claimed that during the 18 hours Koimburi was missing, he was subjected to professional torture.
The former Deputy President alleged that the torture was carried out by well-trained individuals acting under orders from senior government officials.
“I personally saw him and spoke with the doctors,” Gachagua said. “They confirmed that Koimburi had suffered soft tissue injuries, the kind that can only come from professional torture methods. He has completely lost his voice, and the medical team is working tirelessly to help restore his vocal cords.”
He further stated that the doctors informed him that Koimburi was exposed to unknown chemicals that were administered through inhalation. “The doctors believe chemicals were used on him, and though he is still in danger, we are grateful he is alive,” he added.
Gachagua also used the opportunity to draw parallels with recent cases of harassment against activists in Tanzania, urging the international community to closely monitor the situation in Kenya.
He called for global attention to what he described as growing political repression in the country.
The ordeal reportedly began on Friday, May 23, when Koimburi was allegedly targeted by unknown individuals while distributing bursaries.
His allies say there was no official communication or summons issued before his sudden disappearance, which raised suspicions among his supporters and fellow leaders.
During the press conference, Gachagua also accused the government of deliberately withdrawing security personnel assigned to opposition MPs and prominent figures, a move he claimed was meant to leave them exposed and vulnerable to harm.
He argued that stripping these leaders of their security was part of a broader plan to intimidate and weaken the opposition.
This isn’t the first time Gachagua has raised alarm over what he termed as “chemical warfare” being used against government critics.
Just a week ago, he alleged that there was an attempt to apprehend him under mysterious circumstances.
On that occasion, he claimed to have narrowly escaped a plot to harm him using chemical or biological agents.
Speaking from his residence in Karen on Monday, May 19, Gachagua claimed that on Sunday, May 18, while he was attending a church service in Murang’a County, state officers had been instructed to “take him out” permanently.
He said the orders were part of a larger scheme involving the use of “biological weapons” designed to gradually affect his brain function over a period of three months.
According to him, he received credible information that the highest levels of government, including the President himself, had allegedly sanctioned these efforts to eliminate him and other vocal leaders.
Gachagua concluded his statement by warning that the situation in Kenya was becoming increasingly dangerous for opposition leaders.
He appealed to both Kenyans and the international community to remain vigilant and to stand up against what he called state-sponsored oppression and targeted political persecution.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
