Gachagua claims Juja MP Koimburi tortured, given dangerous chemical by captors

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi was tortured by his captors before they dumped him.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi after visiting the legislator in hospital, Gachagua claimed the MP was found with soft-tissue injuries from being “badly beaten”.

“It is not known where he was taken to, but after a serious search, he was found in a coffee plantation badly beaten. He was taken to hospital and doctors have confirmed that Koimburi was tortured by professionals. He has serious soft tissue injuries,” the former DP told reporters.

He added that the MP lost his voice from the incident due to a dangerous chemical the captors allegedly made him inhale.

“He has lost his voice and some chemical was administered through inhalation; doctors say that chemical has interfered with his vocal cords,” claimed Gachagua.

“Doctors have taken samples to different laboratories and are doing everything within their power to ensure he is out of danger.”

Gachagua, who was impeached last October after falling out with President William Ruto, blamed the reported abduction on “undercover agents” he claims are working for the government to silence opposition politicians.  

“We have confirmation that the government has put up a squad to deal with leaders who are against this regime,” he told the press.

Video footage of Sunday’s incident showed Koimburi being driven away in a silver Subaru Forester bearing civilian registration plates after he was captured.

His wife, Ann Koimburi, was also injured during the scuffle.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) denied involvement in the abduction but confirmed that Koimburi has been sought since Friday in connection with alleged land fraud and misuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

Mrs Koimburi has said authorities previously took her husband’s phone and vehicle during investigations but failed to provide clarity on his whereabouts.