Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the international community to intervene in what he termed as rising political repression in Kenya, following the disturbing ordeal of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.
Koimburi, a close ally of Gachagua, was found badly injured and unable to speak after allegedly being abducted and dumped in Jacaranda coffee plantation in Kibichoi, Kiambu County. He is currently receiving treatment at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi.
Speaking after visiting Koimburi at the hospital, Gachagua drew parallels between the current situation in Kenya and past crackdowns on civil liberties in neighbouring countries. “Let me appeal to the international community to take a great interest in what is happening in Kenya. We have seen what has happened in Tanzania—the suppression of civil society—and these things are now creeping into Kenya,” he said.
Koimburi’s family had reported him missing on Sunday evening, claiming he was kidnapped in the Mugutha area. Nearly 12 hours later, he was discovered by locals in a semi-conscious state, bearing signs of torture. According to Gachagua, the MP had been abducted in front of church members, and the abductors also attempted to harm his wife.
Doctors treating Koimburi have reportedly told his family that a chemical substance was administered during the ordeal, impairing his vocal cords and leaving him unable to speak. Gachagua claimed the substance was introduced via inhalation and that Koimburi had suffered serious soft tissue injuries, indicative of professional torture methods.
The police, however, have denied any involvement in the incident and have suggested the possibility of a staged abduction. They have launched an investigation and collected forensic samples for analysis.
Gachagua also alleged that the government is systematically targeting opposition MPs by withdrawing their security details, leaving them vulnerable. “Bodyguards of MPs opposed to the regime have been disarmed to intimidate them from attending political meetings,” he claimed.
As investigations continue, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the state of political freedom and personal security for lawmakers in Kenya.
