A dramatic scene ensued on Saturday in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County after a close ally of former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru was arrested at gunpoint.
Mwea parliamentary aspirant Peter Ndambiri was dramatically apprehended over claims that he had kidnapped a woman who was in his campaign team.
Mr Ndambiri, a former banker and a known tycoon in the area, was heading to a campaign meeting he had convened at around 5.30pm when his vehicle was blocked by a police car and armed officers proceeded to arrest him.
Five police officers are said to have pointed guns at the aspiring MP before arresting and escorting him to the police station where he was held overnight.
The former banker is accused of kidnapping one Jane Njeri Mworia on December 7, 2016 after she allegedly disappeared with some 22,000 meant to fund a youth seminar in the constituency.
The woman was allegedly kidnapped in Ngurubani town, driven off to an unidentified location in Murang’a county where she was held hostage and tortured for five days before being released. After being freed, she reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Waiguru’s ally.
The politician, however, vehemently denied that he had been involved in the said kidnapping adding that the arrest was politically motivated.
“A senior politician who is fearing defeat in the 2017 polls has colluded with the woman who was my supporter to frame me up. The politician is assassinating my character so that I do not achieve my political goals,” said Mr Ndambiri.
“I gave the money to the woman for the seminar but she escaped with it and resurfaced after five days and cheated the police that she had been kidnapped. The woman is faking kidnap after being compromised by the senior politician. My political enemies want to have me jailed.”
Following the arrest, Mr Ndambiri’s supporters stormed the station to demand his immediate release but were dispersed by police officers.
Confirming the arrest, County police commander Joseph Nthenge said the politician was undergoing interrogation and could face kidnapping charges after detectives finish investigations.
Mr Ndambiri has been working closely with Ms Waiguru in her bid for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat.
