Tensions rose sharply at Kamukunji Police Station on Monday as opposition figures, led by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, pressed for the immediate release of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia. The legislator was arrested earlier in the day over alleged electoral offences and incitement but remained in custody despite a High Court order granting him police bail of Sh100,000.
Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), stated via social media that the High Court had directed the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kamukunji to release Kaguchia upon payment of bail. However, the OCS had not complied, reportedly awaiting further instructions from senior officers.
Gachagua warned the OCS against ignoring the court order, cautioning that such defiance could lead to personal contempt of court charges. He also referenced ongoing legal scrutiny of police conduct in a separate murder case, urging law enforcement officers to respect judicial rulings and avoid unlawful actions.
Several Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region gathered outside the police station, vowing to remain until Kaguchia was freed. They criticized the police for delaying compliance and questioned the rationale behind continued detention despite clear court directives. Attempts to obtain information on Kaguchia’s whereabouts were met with redirection to Central Police Station.
The arrest has ignited political debate, with opposition leaders accusing investigative agencies of selective law enforcement targeting government critics, while others with controversial public statements have not faced similar consequences.
