Several opposition leaders have voiced strong criticism over the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, alleging the government is applying the law selectively and undermining freedom of expression.

Kaguchia was detained on Monday at Royal Media Services (RMS) after spending the night at the premises, claiming he was avoiding arrest by armed officers. His arrest followed remarks made during a political rally in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, where he warned Mt. Kenya residents against voting for President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. Speaking in Kikuyu, Kaguchia said voters for the President would be "tracked to their homes and smoked out," statements that sparked controversy.

Opposition Voices Concern Over Selective Enforcement

  • Kalonzo Musyoka, Wiper Party leader: Condemned the arrest as arbitrary and questioned why other leaders who have made inflammatory remarks have not been similarly arrested. He emphasized that freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed and called out what he described as a double standard in law enforcement.
  • Babu Owino, Embakasi East MP: Highlighted the threat the arrest poses to constitutional rights, asserting that disagreement with a person's views should not justify detention in a democracy. He pledged to defend freedom of expression for all Kenyans.
  • Richard Onyonka, Kisii Senator: Criticized the arrest procedure, noting that Kaguchia was effectively held overnight at Citizen TV studios due to a heavy police presence. He called for more respectful and lawful approaches to handling such cases to avoid discouraging political discourse.

Legal and Procedural Issues Raised

Kaguchia's legal team reported being denied access to their client at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, raising concerns about due process. The MP remains in custody as investigations continue.

The opposition insists that justice must be impartial and not influenced by political allegiance. They warn that selective justice undermines Kenya’s democratic principles and risks silencing dissenting voices.