Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi was poisoned with a chemical that has paralysed his vocal cords, according to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua, while addressing the media after visiting the hospitalised MP on Monday evening, revealed that Koimburi can hardly move and is frail. This follows the MP's alleged disappearance and subsequent discovery on a coffee farm in Kiambu County earlier today.
Gachagua spoke outside the Karen Hospital, accusing the government of what he termed 'desperate tactics' to silence its loudest critics.
According to Gachagua, Koimburi was subjected to severe torture during the 18 hours he was missing, subsequently sustaining soft tissue injuries.
The former DP was adamant that Koimburi was tortured by professionals specially selected by senior state officials. Gachagua further alleged that Koimburi was administered chemicals by the said professionals through inhalation.
“I have seen him and talked to the doctors. They have confirmed that George Koimburi was tortured by professionals. He has soft tissue injuries, a kind of torture done by professionals. He has lost his voice, and the doctors are working around the clock to restore his vocal cords," Gachagua said.
He added, "We have been told by doctors that some chemicals were administered through inhalation, but he is out of danger."
While also referencing activists' recent woes in Tanzania, Gachagua also appealed to the international community to pay special attention to Kenya.
Koimburi's troubles started on Friday, May 23, after he escaped an alleged attempt to apprehend him while he was giving out bursaries. The MP's allies insist no summons were received prior to his dissapearance.
During Gachagua's presser, the former Deputy President also alleged that lawmakers and other dignitaries opposing the Kenya Kwanza government had their security detail demolilised to leave them vulnerable.
Notably, this was the second time Gachagua claimed chemical warfare was being used against leaders opposed to the government, coming just a week after he evaded an alleged attempt by the state to apprehend him.
While speaking at his Karen residence on Monday, May 19, Gachagua claimed state-sponsored officers had specific instructions to take him out on Sunday, May 18. The former District Commissioner has claimed that the government planned to use 'biological armoury against him to slowly degrade his mind over three months.
According to Gachagua, he was made aware of alleged instructions from the President to 'deal with him' once and for all on Sunday while he was attending a church service in Murang'a County.
