President William Ruto is facing renewed criticism after the alleged abduction and mistreatment of Juja MP George Koimburi sparked outrage among top legal figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo.
The two legal leaders issued separate statements condemning the incident and demanding answers from President Ruto and security agencies.
They emphasized the seriousness of the situation, particularly in light of President Ruto’s recent public assurance that abductions would no longer occur under his leadership.
Former Chief Justice Maraga expressed deep concern over the disturbing reports that MP Koimburi was found unconscious in a coffee plantation in the Kibichoi area, just a day after he was forcefully taken from a church service.
“These reports are extremely alarming. Hon. George Koimburi was discovered unconscious on a farm in Githunguri, a day after being abducted from a church, in front of worshippers,” said Maraga.
“Kenyans will recall that President Ruto made a solemn pledge to end abductions while hosting Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.
Does this mean he was acknowledging that state agencies are involved? Or did he mislead the public?” he questioned pointedly.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo also weighed in, warning of a worrying resurgence in abductions and politically motivated violence, referencing the spate of disappearances and killings that shook the nation in 2024.
“This return to dark, secretive criminal activities is deeply unsettling. It raises serious concerns about our national security and the safety of every Kenyan,” Odhiambo stated.
She linked Koimburi’s abduction to a broader pattern of violent incidents, recalling the assassination of former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were in full view of the public.
“If such atrocities can be carried out against sitting lawmakers, who are presumably under state protection, then how safe is the ordinary citizen?” she asked.
Odhiambo called on government institutions to take immediate and decisive action. She urged them to investigate the crimes thoroughly, bring the culprits to justice, and restore public trust in the rule of law.
MP Koimburi’s ordeal began on Sunday, May 25, when he was reportedly abducted by unknown men during a church service. Shocked congregants reportedly watched helplessly as he was bundled into a Subaru vehicle and driven away.
This dramatic event occurred just two days after he narrowly escaped a similar incident while riding on a motorcycle.
According to Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, a close friend and political ally of Koimburi, the plot to abduct the MP had been brewing for some time.
He told Kenyans.co.ke that intelligence reports indicated the plan had been in motion since the previous week.
The day after his abduction, Koimburi was found dumped at the Jacaranda Coffee Plantation in Ruiru, Kiambu County, in a disturbing state. Videos that later surfaced showed the MP in agony, visibly distressed and unable to speak clearly.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that Koimburi was poisoned with a toxic substance that damaged his vocal cords.
Speaking to the media after visiting the MP in hospital, Gachagua revealed that Koimburi was extremely weak, barely able to move, and struggling to communicate.
Despite the growing public concern and political uproar, police have denied any involvement in the incident.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that contrary to claims made by Koimburi’s associates, the MP was already being monitored by authorities for his alleged involvement in a land fraud case.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the role of state institutions in protecting citizens, especially elected leaders, and has raised fresh concerns about political repression, human rights, and the return of extrajudicial practices in Kenya.
As pressure mounts on President Ruto to provide answers and take concrete steps to end such acts, many Kenyans are calling for transparency, justice, and assurance that such incidents will not be swept under the rug.
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