Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has issued a warning to President William Ruto's administration, threatening that some lawmakers may defect to the opposition if Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia is not released promptly.
Speaking outside Kamukunji Police Station where Kaguchia was detained, Kagombe criticized the government's handling of the arrest, saying it has damaged the credibility of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. He urged President Ruto to intervene, stating, "Ruto, if you don't release Kaguchia immediately, we will defect to Wamunyoro," referencing the political stronghold of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Concerns Over Arrest Procedures
Kagombe, a UDA ally, questioned why detectives arrested Kaguchia and rushed him to court only to withdraw after a court ordered his release. He argued that standard procedures under the National Cohesion and Integration Commission require that a legislator who is known and locatable be summoned rather than forcibly arrested.
"Kaguchia is a man who is known and has an address. You can even ask the Speaker of Parliament to avail him," Kagombe said.
He also recounted being at Royal Media Services during the standoff and described the presence of hooded men outside the premises, creating uncertainty about the target of the operation.
Kaguchia's Arrest and Court Bail
John Kaguchia was arrested on Monday, August 3, after spending the night at Royal Media Services in Nairobi. He had earlier claimed that police had surrounded the studios and set up roadblocks, which he described as intimidation tactics. The arrest followed remarks he made at a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, which are under investigation for being inflammatory.
The Kiambu High Court later ordered his release on a KSh 100,000 cash bail. Lady Justice Njoki Mwangi directed that Kaguchia be freed immediately pending a hearing scheduled for September 16, 2026.
