Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji Arrested Over Saba Saba Protest Chaos

Legislator accused of inciting violence, allegedly found with money and list of names during demonstrations

JUJA – Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji was arrested Monday afternoon in connection with violent protests that rocked parts of Embu County during the Saba Saba Day commemorations.

According to police reports, the legislator was apprehended at around 3:53 PM at the Toll area within Juja Sub-County while allegedly distributing money to demonstrators. He was subsequently booked at Kibii Police Station under Occurrence Book number 06/07/07/2025.

The arrest report indicates that Mukunji was traveling in a black Range Rover Sport without number plates when officers intercepted him. During a search, police reportedly discovered a journal containing a list of names and corresponding amounts of money.

Two other individuals were arrested alongside the MP: James Ikuwa Mbochi, who claims to be a journalist with Inooro media house, and Stanley Mbuthia Wanjiru, a motorcycle rider with registration number KMGJ 420C, who was allegedly demanding payment from the legislator.

According to police sources, the trio’s alleged objective was to facilitate demonstrators’ entry into Spur Mall in the area.

The MP’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, confirmed the arrest, stating that his client was later transferred to officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based at Juja Police Station. The legislator is expected to face charges of incitement to violence, though authorities have not provided further details.

Mukunji’s current whereabouts remain unknown, and his vehicle remains parked at Kibii Police Station. His wife was reportedly searching for him as of Monday evening.

The arrest comes amid nationwide protests that turned violent in several parts of the country. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests during Monday’s demonstrations.

Violence erupted in multiple locations including Ngong, Thika, Juja, Embu, Kangemi in Nairobi, and Dagoretti, with police erecting significant barricades on major roads that severely disrupted movement, particularly in Nairobi.

The commission noted that many citizens were unable to report to work despite a directive from Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku requiring all government employees to report to work without fail.

Numerous businesses nationwide remained closed due to fears of looting and destruction, with incidents reported in six counties. The Kerugoya Central CDF office was set ablaze by suspected criminal elements, and learning was paralyzed across the country as most schools and educational institutions remained closed.

Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the specific reasons behind MP Mukunji’s arrest, with the DCI Juja office handling the case.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​