Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has come out strongly against President William Ruto’s administration after being acquitted of terrorism-related charges linked to the Saba Saba Day protests.
Speaking on Friday, September 6, moments after his release, Mukunji accused the government of deliberately fuelling insecurity by hiring goons to disrupt peaceful demonstrations.
“To the President, and your government, stop making this country insecure for Kenyans, with immediate effect,” he declared, criticizing what he termed as state-orchestrated chaos.
Mukunji also lashed out at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), accusing it of misusing the law to curtail citizens’ rights. “ODPP, you have been unable to charge me. It tells you that even the ones who have been charged, there is no case against them,” he noted.
Arrest and Allegations of Assassination Plot
The outspoken MP, known for his fierce criticism of the Ruto-led government, was arrested during the July 7 Saba Saba protests on allegations of incitement. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru first confirmed his detention, with the National Police Service later admitting he was held at Kibii Police Station.
Weeks later, Mukunji sensationally claimed his arrest followed a failed plot to assassinate him by planting explosives in his car and framing him as a terrorist. He alleged the plan later shifted to burning down the police station where he was detained.
He was released on a Ksh300,000 cash bail or a Ksh1 million surety bond after spending three days in custody.
Court Petition
While still facing charges, Mukunji petitioned the High Court, accusing top state officials including Inspector General Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, and DPP Renson Ingonga of abusing their powers.
He argued that his arrest was unlawful, politically motivated, and a misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to silence government critics.
