DCI Arrests Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia After Night at Royal Media Offices Over Controversial Remarks

DCI Arrests Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia After Night at Royal Media Offices Over Controversial Remarks

Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia was arrested by detectives from the Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia on Monday morning, August 3, after spending the night at the Royal Media Services (RMS) headquarters in Nairobi, where he had sought refuge following claims that unidentified armed individuals were pursuing him.

The arrest marks the latest twist in a rapidly unfolding political and legal drama that has drawn national attention, coming just hours after the legislator publicly alleged that heavily armed, hooded men had surrounded the media station with the intention of arresting him.

Kaguchia, a vocal ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), was taken into custody shortly after leaving the RMS premises, where he had remained overnight after appearing on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi programme.

Late Sunday night, the MP took to social media, claiming that police officers and other unidentified individuals had mounted an operation around the station shortly after his television interview.

“After my Kiririmbi Show this evening, a contingent of Police have surrounded Royal Media Studios and erected road blocks with intentions of arresting me! I will NOT BE INTIMIDATED whatsoever,” Kaguchia wrote.

According to the legislator, he chose to remain inside the media house throughout the night out of concern for his personal safety.

Witnesses reported heightened security around the Royal Media Services headquarters, with several vehicles stationed outside the premises well into the night. Unconfirmed reports also indicated that motorists travelling along Dennis Pritt Road encountered roadblocks and security checks, although authorities had not officially confirmed the purpose of the operation by the time the MP was arrested.

On Monday morning, Kaguchia confirmed that detectives were investigating him over remarks he allegedly made during a political gathering held in Kieni, Nyeri County, over the weekend.

The MP further accused senior government officials and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi of orchestrating what he termed a campaign to misrepresent his statements and justify legal action against him.

The investigation stems from remarks Kaguchia made on Saturday, August 1, while addressing supporters in Kieni. Speaking in Kikuyu, the legislator appeared to warn residents against supporting President William Ruto during the 2027 General Election, remarks that quickly sparked widespread political debate.

Critics interpreted the comments as threatening political opponents, with some leaders accusing the MP of promoting intolerance and intimidation ahead of the next general election.

The remarks attracted condemnation from several senior political figures, including Presidential Adviser Dennis Itumbi, who argued that democratic competition should never involve threats against voters.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi also criticised the comments, maintaining that political leaders should promote peaceful participation in elections rather than language that could heighten tensions.

Supporters of Kaguchia, however, have defended him, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context and distorted for political purposes. They argue that the speech was delivered in a local dialect and that portions circulating online did not accurately reflect the full message.

The arrest comes amid heightened political activity in the Mt. Kenya region, where competition between leaders aligned to President William Ruto and those supporting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Observers note that recent weeks have witnessed increasingly heated political exchanges, with several leaders from both sides accusing one another of using inflammatory rhetoric.

While the DCI had not immediately released an official statement detailing the specific offences under investigation, legal experts indicate that the probe is likely to focus on allegations relating to incitement, hate speech or conduct likely to undermine public order, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Kaguchia is expected to record a statement with investigators before a decision is made on whether he will face formal charges or be released pending further investigations.

The incident has also reignited debate over political freedom, the limits of public speech, and the role of law enforcement in handling politically sensitive investigations. As investigations continue, attention is expected to shift to the DCI’s next course of action and whether prosecutors will find sufficient grounds to institute criminal proceedings against the legislator.

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DCI Arrests Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia After Night at Royal Media Offices Over Controversial Remarks