Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has shared details of a phone call he reportedly received from Juja MP George Koimburi before he went missing on May 25.
Barasa, in his statement, said Koimburi contacted him through the Signal app, expressing concern that police were pursuing him over a land case.
“A few days ago, MP Koimburi called me via the Signal call app, saying the police were after him over a land case. I advised him to switch off his phone and lie low for five days,” he said.
He stated that he was surprised upon learning that Koimburi had allegedly staged his abduction and was later found in a coffee plantation.
“I was shocked to later hear he had staged his abduction and was ‘found’ in a coffee plantation. Police now say the spot where he claimed to have slept showed no disturbance, he was likely there for just five minutes.”
“Looks like a scene straight out of Shackles of War by Cleophas Malala. Let’s stop turning serious issues into cheap drama,” he stated.
Koimburi was reportedly captured by unknown individuals on the afternoon of Sunday, May 25, after a church service, and driven to an unknown destination.
The MP was found later dumped at Jacaranda Coffee Plantation, said to be owned by businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, in the Kibichoi area of Ruirua Coffee Farm in Kiambu County on Monday morning.
In a statement on the evening of Monday, May 26, the National Police Service (NPS) addressed the incident, stating that Koimburi is under investigation for alleged land fraud.
The abductions and forced disappearance of Kenyans have been blamed on President William Ruto's administration, with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Tuesday, accusing the government of running an "abduction squad" made up of police officers.
They denied involvement in any abduction, asserting that Koimburi evaded arrest by fleeing on a motorcycle with his private security and turning off his phone.
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.
"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.
