During the 1974 General Election, incumbent Kikuyu MP Joseph Gatuguta, was accused by the police of sparking violence in his constituency.
On learning that the police were out to get him, the lawmaker drove to former President the Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's home in Gatundu to hide.
After he narrated what was going on, the president called Police Commissioner Benard Hinga to hear his version of the story.
It was a weekend and the Police Commissioner was playing darts at the Nairobi Civil Servants Club which angered Kenyatta.
“How can you be playing darts as the country burns?” an agitated President demanded.
“Your Excellency, even as I play darts, I am in constant communication with all my field officers. I know what is happening where and I have issued appropriate instructions to contain the situation,” Hinga explained.
“If that is so, then tell me what is happening in Kikuyu,” the President rebutted.
The police boss narrated what had happened in Kikuyu and in every other troubled spot in the country.
“Great Bwana Commissioner, I see you’re fully in control. You can continue playing darts. But tell me, where is the Kikuyu MP?” Kenyatta enquired.
“Your Excellency, my officers are looking for him. We want to arrest him and arraign him in court on Monday," Hinga responded.
After a deep breath, the President stated: “Well, he is hiding in my house, what will you do about it?”
“We will wait until he comes out of your house and arrest him,” the police boss replied.
Kenyatta then struck a deal with Hinga that he would reprimand the Parliamentarian and in turn, the police would drop the pursuit.
Mzee Kenyatta concluded, "In that case, you forgive him for now, but next time he misbehaves and runs to my house, I will personally arrest him and hand him over to you.”
Gatuguta eventually lost that election but was appointed Chairman of the Transport Licensing Board by Kenyatta.
