Police have come out to deny claims of any involvement in the alleged disappearance and subsequent torture of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.
In a statement on the evening of Monday, May 26, the National Police Service gave a conflicting version of events to those made by Koimburi's allies, particularly regarding the circumstances leading to the lawmaker's disappearance on Sunday.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga claimed that, contrary to earlier reports by Koimburi's allies, the MP was fully aware that he was on the authorities' radar over various allegations, including a land fraud scheme.
Earlier, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Than'gwa claimed no summons had been received by Koimburi regarding any allegations.
"The MP has been under investigation over a land matter and consent to prosecute was issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)," the NPS said in a statement.
Further, Nyaga alluded to the initial attempt to apprehend Koimburi on Friday, which saw the MP flee on a motorbike after sensing impending danger.
According to the police spokesperson, Koimburi caught wind of his impending apprehension and fled, leaving behind his driver, who was taken in for questioning before he was released.
The NPS also addressed the viral video circulating on social media depicting Koimburi lying on a coffee plantation whilst in pain, hours after he was forcefully taken away in full glare of churchgoers on Sunday, May 25.
Without dismissing the authenticity of the incident, the NPS revealed police spent a better part of Monday combing the scene where the MP was located, adding that investigations were underway to establish whether he was indeed forcefully taken.
"Police officers from Juja visited the alleged scene, which has since been thoroughly documented. Meanwhile, a specialised team from the DCI headquarters is analysing the purported abduction video and investigating all surrounding circumstances to conclusively establish the facts," Nyaga added in the statement.
Civilians with information which can aid in investigations have also been encouraged to come forward.
The National Police's statement came just hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the ailing lawmaker at the Karen hospital and thereafter held an explosive press conference where he solely blamed the government for Koimburi's woes.
Gachagua alleged that the MP was expertly tortured by state-hired elite officers, who allegedly also administered chemicals to the lawmaker to render him unable to speak.
