Opposition leaders say Juja MP Koimburi was tortured and poisoned as police refute abduction claims
In a swift turn, police asserted that Koimburi had stage managed his abduction from a church service on Sunday
Former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Rigathi Gachagua has said Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi was tortured and poisoned by his captors whom he described as “professionals” before they dumped him.
In a swift turn, police asserted that Koimburi had stage managed his abduction from a church service on Sunday.
Koimburi who is currently admitted at the Karen Hospital was allegedly abducted outside a church in Mugutha, Kiambu County, on Sunday and he was later found dumped at a coffee plantation in Kiambu earlier today morning.
However, this evening, the National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that Koimburi was abducted, saying the lawmaker had deliberately evaded arrest in connection with an ongoing land fraud investigation.
In a statement released this evening, NPS sought to address concerns over a viral video circulating on social and mainstream media that purportedly showed the MP being dumped at a farm in Juja.
The police service said Koimburi went into hiding after learning that officers intended to arrest him on Friday, May 23, following approval from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to proceed with charges.
However, while addressing a press conference in Nairobi after visiting the legislator in hospital, Gachagua claimed the MP was found with soft-tissue injuries from being “badly beaten”.
“It is not known where he was taken to, but after a serious search, he was found in a coffee plantation badly beaten. He was taken to hospital and doctors have confirmed that Koimburi was tortured by professionals. He has serious soft tissue injuries,” the former DP told reporters.
He added that the MP lost his voice from the incident due to a dangerous chemical the captors allegedly made him inhale.
“He has lost his voice and some chemical was administered through inhalation; doctors say that chemical has interfered with his vocal cords,” claimed Gachagua.
“Doctors have taken samples to different laboratories and are doing everything within their power to ensure he is out of danger.”
Gachagua, who was impeached last October after falling out with President William Ruto, blamed the reported abduction on “undercover agents” he claims are working for the government to silence opposition politicians.
“We have confirmation that the government has put up a squad to deal with leaders who are against this regime,” he told the press.
Video footage of Sunday’s incident showed Koimburi being driven away in a silver Subaru Forester bearing civilian registration plates after he was captured.
His wife, Ann Koimburi, was also injured during the scuffle.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) denied involvement in the abduction but confirmed that Koimburi has been sought since Friday in connection with alleged land fraud and misuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Koimburi’s wife said authorities previously took her husband’s phone and vehicle during investigations but failed to provide clarity on his whereabouts.
The MP was found by passersby writhing in pain on Monday morning at Jacaranda
coffee plantation off the Ruiru -Githunguri road, nearly 12 hours after he was abducted while at a church service in Muthutha, within his constituency.
He was rushed to the Plainview Hospital in Ruiru for first aid before being transferred to an undisclosed health facility in Nairobi for specialized treatment.
His family accused security agents of abducting the legislator who had earlier, on Friday last week, managed to escape another arrest attempt and fled on a motorbike.
The MP’s driver was arrested and taken to DCI headquarters for grilling where he reportedly explained the MP had instructed him to drop him on the road after learning police were planning to arrest him.
Police say they were pursuing Koimburi in connection with a land fraud case that is under probe and also misappropriation of NG-CDF funds.
Gachagua condemned the actions, describing them as part of a systematic political persecution targeting opposition leaders. “It started with me; they assaulted me.
Gachagua accused President William Ruto of political intolerance, urging residents of the Mt. Kenya region to rethink their engagement with government empowerment programs.
He claims that it is evident the government is targeting supporters of the DCP party in an attempt to sabotage their campaign against the government.
