Mukurweini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia was granted release on a Ksh 250,000 cash bail by Milimani Law Courts following his arraignment on charges related to offensive conduct conducive to a breach of peace.
The case was heard on Tuesday before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresiah Nyangena. Kaguchia did not enter a plea after his legal team challenged the court’s jurisdiction and the validity of the charge sheet.
Details of the Allegations
The charge sheet alleges that on August 1, 2026, at Naromoru Shopping Centre in Kieni East, Nyeri County, Kaguchia made statements in Kikuyu intended to incite social division. Specifically, he is accused of warning that those who supported or voted for a person named "Kasongo" would face social isolation, including being boycotted during bereavement and dowry ceremonies, and being denied community support during illness.
Defense Arguments and Court Proceedings
- The defense argued that the charge sheet lacked sufficient detail to uphold the allegations.
- They also claimed that Kaguchia had been denied timely access to his lawyers and that authorities had not complied with High Court directives regarding his detention and bail conditions.
- The prosecution countered that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had not been properly served with one of the High Court orders, hence no contempt had occurred.
- The defense requested Kaguchia’s release pending resolution of these preliminary issues, noting his status as an officer of the court and availability for court appearances, supported by Senator John Methu.
Magistrate’s Ruling
Magistrate Nyangena acknowledged that although the High Court had previously ordered Kaguchia’s release on bail, the present criminal charges warranted different consideration. Consequently, she ordered his release on a Ksh 1 million bond or an alternative Ksh 250,000 cash bail.
The matter is scheduled for mention on Wednesday to address the pending legal objections.
