Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the international community to closely monitor Kenya’s political landscape, following the alleged abduction and torture of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.
Speaking to the press after visiting the hospitalized MP at Karen Hospital on Monday, Gachagua expressed deep concern over what he termed a worrying trend of political repression in the country.
“Let me appeal to the international community to take a great interest in what is happening in Kenya,” Gachagua said. “We have seen similar things happening in neighbouring countries like Tanzania—the suppression of civil society—and it all starts just like this.”
Koimburi, a close political ally of Gachagua, was reported missing on Sunday evening, only to be found dumped at Jacaranda coffee plantation in Kibichoi, Githunguri Constituency, early Monday morning.
According to Gachagua, the MP was found unconscious, badly bruised, and unable to speak after what he described as “professional torture.”
The former DP claimed that Koimburi was abducted in broad daylight outside a church, and that the abductors also attempted to harm his wife. “He was picked up in full view of congregants. What followed was a night of terror,” he said.
Doctors at Karen Hospital, where Koimburi is admitted, reportedly confirmed that the legislator had sustained serious soft tissue injuries. Gachagua also claimed that a chemical substance was administered to Koimburi, possibly through injection or inhalation, resulting in damage to his vocal cords.
“He has lost his voice. Doctors have informed the family that this was caused by a chemical allegedly injected into his body. They are doing their best to stabilize him,” Gachagua added.
Meanwhile, police have denied any involvement in the alleged abduction, instead accusing the MP of faking the incident to avoid arrest over an ongoing land fraud investigation. Authorities have launched a probe and are analyzing samples and video footage related to the case.
In a further escalation of tensions, Gachagua accused the government of targeting opposition legislators by withdrawing their security details. “MPs who are vocal against the regime are now being exposed deliberately. Their bodyguards have been disarmed so they feel threatened and intimidated,” he said.
The incident has sparked outrage among Koimburi’s supporters and drawn criticism from rights groups, with calls for an independent investigation into the claims of abduction and torture.
