Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has condemned the recent arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), calling it an arbitrary move that threatens constitutional freedoms.
Kaguchia was detained on August 3 at Citizen TV studios in Nairobi after spending the night there. His arrest followed controversial comments he made during a political rally in Kieni, which were widely circulated online by government digital strategist Dennis Itumbi. The statements reportedly included threats to withhold burial rites and community support from residents supporting President William Ruto.
However, Kaguchia refuted these claims, telling Citizen TV that his remarks had been distorted to fit a political agenda. He noted he had not received any formal summons and expressed willingness to address the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
Babu Owino's Reaction
On social media, Babu Owino criticized the government's handling of the situation, emphasizing that disagreement with speech does not justify arrest in a democracy. He stressed that freedom of expression protects even unpopular or controversial views from state repression.
"Today it is Kaguchia; tomorrow it could be anyone else. The proper response to speech is more speech, not unlawful repression," Owino stated. He pledged to use all legal means to defend Kaguchia's right to free expression and to oppose intimidation or arbitrary detentions.
This incident has sparked broader debate on the balance between political speech and law enforcement in Kenya's democratic landscape.
