MP Murugara casts doubt on Koimburi's abduction, says politicians are known for antics

Tharaka Member of Parliament (MP) George Murugara has cast doubt on the reported abduction of his Juja counterpart George Koimburi, noting that he cannot be trusted given the stunts associated with Kenyan politicians.

Speaking on Citizen TV's DayBreak discussion, Murugara argued that if Koimburi knew he was being sought by law enforcement, he would have opted for a voluntary surrender.

"He should have gone to the nearest police station, and he should have surrendered himself. Because he knew they were looking for him and the story was given, he ran away. That’s why there are question marks," Murugara stated.

The legislator noted that Koimubri’s case will remain in doubt until investigations reveal details behind his arrest, saying that it has become difficult to believe political leaders based on past incidents.

“Unfortunately this is a politician and they are known for all manner of antics from time to time,” he said.

Murugara further drew parallels to the murder case of Kasipul MP Charles Were, citing how Philip Aroko surrendered himself after being linked to the assassination.

 "Just like the gentleman, Aroko, who was accused of participating in the murder of a colleague. He surrendered himself," Murugara noted.

Murugara however acknowledged that some of the arrests targeting government critics are state-instigated.

He referred to the recent arrest of Trans Nzoia’s Governor George Natembeya, arguing that it was conducted under enforcement procedures and that he was being arrested and not abducted.

"He wasn't being abducted. They were going to arrest him. The police, under their act, have the power to arrest you once they suspect you have committed an offense," Murugara said.

He argued that police actions were lawful and blamed external interference for creating unnecessary drama, adding that similar arrests have occurred without dramatics.

"We have had many governors. We had many MPs arrested. We've not seen drama. But if you want drama to occur, and we know it occurs, and we have seen them do it, then you will have anything," Murugara said.

MP Koimburi was found dumped at a coffee plantation in Kiambu County on Monday after being captured by unknown individuals outside a church in Mugutha.

The National Police Service (NPS) has however dismissed the abductionclaims, saying the lawmaker had deliberately evaded arrest in connection with an ongoing land fraud investigation.

In a statement, the NPS addressed a viral video circulating on social and mainstream media that purportedly showed the MP being dumped at a farm in Juja.

The police service said Koimburi went into hiding after learning that officers intended to arrest him on Friday, May 23, following approval from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to proceed with charges.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who visited the legislator in a Nairobi hospital on Monday, thereafter claimed the MP was found with soft-tissue injuries from being “badly beaten”.

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