Manyatta Member of Parliament, Gitonga Mukunji, has spoken out for the first time following his arrest on Monday, July 7, during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations. Mukunji believes that his arrest is part of an ongoing effort by the government to silence him through intimidation.
Reports indicate that the MP was taken into custody over claims of inciting violence during the widespread protests that took place across the country.
However, while addressing the media outside Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, July 8, Mukunji strongly dismissed the allegations, stating that the charges brought against him lack the strength or evidence needed to secure a conviction.
He reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for the rights of Kenyan citizens, declaring that he will not be discouraged by what he described as politically motivated setbacks.
“The accusations being made against me are weak and baseless. I am safe and well, and I want to encourage our young people not to take part in destroying property,” Mukunji said.
Mukunji, who is known to be a close political ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, also responded to the demonstrations that erupted in Embu following news of his arrest.
He urged his supporters, particularly the youth, to maintain peace and avoid actions that could lead to further destruction or harm.
“I refuse to be intimidated,” he added. “I will keep defending the rights and freedoms of my people. But at the same time, we must stop the destruction of businesses, property, and the unnecessary loss of life.”
According to lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who represents allies of Rigathi Gachagua, Mukunji was arrested at approximately 3:00 PM and officially booked at Kibii Police Station at 3:53 PM. His booking was recorded under OB number 06/07/07/2025.
Njiru further revealed that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kibii confirmed Mukunji was only held temporarily and was later transferred to Juja Police Station by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). “The OCS made it clear that the station was only used to detain him briefly before he was moved,” Njiru explained.
While the National Police Service (NPS) did confirm the arrest of MP Mukunji in a statement released on the evening of July 7, they did not provide specific details or reasons for his apprehension.
According to the police, a total of 567 individuals were arrested across the country during the Saba Saba protests. The demonstrations, which turned violent in some areas, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and left 63 others injured, including both police officers and civilians.
The NPS further urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any individuals involved in illegal activities during the protests. “If you have any information about suspects still at large, please visit the nearest police station or contact us through our toll-free numbers,” the police service said in their official statement.
Mukunji’s arrest and the wider crackdown on protestors have sparked public debate, with many questioning the government’s handling of dissent and the increasing number of fatalities linked to the ongoing demonstrations.
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