Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has described her overnight stay in a police cell as the pinnacle of her political journey, vowing not to be silenced in her fight for justice and the rights of Kenyans.
Speaking defiantly on Friday, July 18, after her release from custody, Kihara said she was undeterred by the arrest and maintained that her experience only strengthened her resolve. “I have reached the climax of my politics by sleeping in the cells. I have never even been booked in the OB before. Anyone who thinks they will silence me should not bother,” she told the press outside the Milimani court precinct.
Kihara had been arrested on Thursday, July 17, during a raid by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and was taken to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road before spending the night in police custody. She was arraigned in court on Friday over incitement-related charges but was released on a personal bond of Sh50,000 without formal charges being pressed.
Dismissing her arrest as politically motivated, the MP reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people. “Even if they put me behind bars for a whole week, I am prepared. My work is to fight for Kenyans, to fight for my people, and what matters is we get justice,” she said.
Her arrest sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa were among the leaders who showed up in court to offer their support.
Kihara thanked those who stood by her during the ordeal. “I thank Kalonzo Musyoka, the lawyers who came, my supporters, and even those who stood with me on social media,” she said.
In a call to action, she urged Kenyans not to be cowed into silence. “Let us not be intimidated. Let us keep speaking out for the country we believe in.”
Her case now awaits a court decision on the legality of the charges.
