President William Ruto is once again under pressure after former Chief Justice David Maraga and Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo raised concerns over the alleged abduction of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.
Through separate statements, the two legal professionals heaped pressure on Ruto and investigative agencies over MP Koimburi’s alleged abduction, which saw the lawmaker dumped in a coffee plantation.
For his part, Maraga questioned the true stance of Ruto on abductions, citing the latter’s recent pledge to end abductions in the presence of Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
“Reports that Hon. George Koimburi, Member of Parliament for Juja, has been found unconscious at a farm near Kibichoi in Githunguri constituency, are reprehensible. This is a day after he was abducted from a church service,” he noted.
“Kenyans will recall that President Ruto, when hosting the President of Finland, assured Kenyans that abductions would end. Was that a confirmation that state agencies are involved? Did he lie about ending abductions?” Maraga quipped.
Meanwhile, the LSK boss condemned the act, expressing her worry over a resurgence of abductions that rocked the country in 2024. At the same time, she questioned the safety of Kenyans, citing Koimburi’s abduction and former Kasipul MP Charles Were’s murder.
“This chilling resurgence of clandestine criminal operations is worrying and poses serious concerns about the current state of our national security,” she stated.
“Coming against the backdrop of the assassination of the late Hon. Ong'ondo Were in full public glare, the fundamental question that arises is how safe the people of Kenya are if such absurd atrocities can be committed against guarded elected leaders,” Odhiambo added.
Odhiambo called for the authorities to intervene and “identify, weed out, and punish the perpetrators of this and other heinous crimes over which the people of Kenya remain anxious.”
MP Koimburi was kidnapped on Sunday, May 25, by unknown individuals, just 48 hours after he escaped a similar situation on a motorcycle.
Koimburi was allegedly taken during a church sermon in full glare of the congregation, who watched him get hustled into a Subaru vehicle.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa, a close ally to Koimburi, confirmed the new developments, adding that a plot to nab the lawmaker was in motion from last week.
The following day, Koimburi was found dumped at Jacaranda Coffee Plantation in the Kibichoi area of Ruirua Coffee Farm in Kiambu County. Disturbing videos surfaced showing him in visible distress and writhing in pain.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua later claimed that Koimburi was poisoned with a chemical that had paralysed his vocal cords. While addressing the media after visiting the hospitalised MP on Monday evening, he revealed that Koimburi can hardly move and is frail.
However, police denied claims of any involvement in the alleged disappearance and subsequent torture of Koimburi.
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.
