Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka was recorded on Sunday evening appealing to Belgut MP Nelson Koech to assist Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, who was apprehensive about leaving Royal Media Services studios due to fears of imminent arrest.
In a video obtained by The Star, Kaguchia expressed his concern about armed individuals waiting outside, describing them as "goons." Koech reassured him that those outside would accompany him safely, dismissing the fears.
Onyonka then urged Koech to stand in solidarity with their colleague, suggesting they escort Kaguchia to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Koech briefly excused himself to check his phone during the exchange.
Kaguchia had spent the night inside the media premises after security officers arrived, seeking refuge amid the tense situation. Before his arrest, Kaguchia emphasized his willingness to cooperate with authorities but insisted that any detention be conducted lawfully and transparently.
He criticized the arrest operation, which involved over 40 armed, masked, and hooded men using multiple vehicles at night, as suspicious and alarming, especially given the recent reports of abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya.
"The constitutional way of being arrested in Kenya is by being summoned and arrested by uniformed policemen under clear circumstances," Kaguchia stated, expressing concern for his safety under the current circumstances.
Following the standoff, Kaguchia was taken to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road for questioning over remarks he allegedly made at a political rally. Subsequent reports indicate that he was later transferred to Kamukunji Police Station where he remains detained.
