Fresh Protests Break Out in Embu Following Arrest of MP Gitonga Mukunji After Saba Saba Day
Fresh demonstrations have erupted in Embu town after the arrest of Manyatta Member of Parliament, Gitonga Mukunji, on Sunday, July 7. He was taken into custody in connection with violence that broke out during Saba Saba Day protests.
Residents are now demanding his immediate release, expressing anger over what they describe as an unfair arrest. The MP was reportedly detained at the height of the demonstrations, which took place across several parts of the country.
According to an image viewed by Newshub.co.ke on Tuesday, July 8, angry residents blocked roads using large stones and set tyres on fire, disrupting transportation along the busy Embu-Kianjokoma road. The protest caused major traffic disruptions and forced many businesses in the area to close for safety.
Reports indicate that Mukunji was arrested around 3 p.m. on Monday, July 7, during the demonstrations.
Authorities claim he played a role in inciting violence during the protests, which led to chaotic scenes in Embu and other parts of Kenya. Police officers were later deployed to the area in an attempt to restore calm, although tensions remained high.
Witnesses say that the protests began late Monday night and intensified the following morning. Demonstrators demanded the MP’s release and accused the government of targeting leaders associated with the opposition or those critical of the current administration.
The National Police Service confirmed Mukunji’s arrest on Saba Saba Day. The MP is known to be a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and his detention has sparked political uproar, especially among Gachagua’s supporters.
According to lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who is part of Mukunji’s legal team, the MP was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and was initially held at Juja Police Station before being transferred to Kibii Police Station.
Njiru said Mukunji was officially booked at Kibii Police Station at 3:53 p.m. under Occurrence Book (OB) number 06/07/07/2025.
“The Officer Commanding Station confirmed that Mukunji was only booked for holding purposes and has not yet been formally charged,” Njiru explained.
On Tuesday, July 8, Njiru disclosed that the MP was being held at Kahawa Law Courts, where he is expected to face terrorism-related charges — a move that has further angered his supporters and legal team.
“Honourable Mukunji is currently at Kahawa Law Courts, and we have been informed that he will be charged with terrorism offences related to the protests,” Njiru said.
He also raised concerns over what he called a possible setup by the police, claiming there were plans to plant illegal items in the MP’s car.
“I have been informed that police officers are allegedly planning to place drugs and explosives inside his vehicle, which is currently parked at Kibii Police Station,” Njiru added.
The situation in Embu remains tense as residents continue to demand justice and the unconditional release of their elected leader. Many believe the arrest is politically motivated and are urging the authorities to follow due process and ensure Mukunji’s rights are respected.
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