Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Writer
Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia was arrested on Monday morning after spending the night at Royal Media Services (RMS) offices in Nairobi, where he had sought refuge after claiming he was being pursued by hooded men who did not identify themselves.
The legislator, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, had appeared on Inooro TV’s Sunday night political programme Kiririmbi (The Flame), which airs between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Kaguchia featured alongside Gatundu South MP GG Kagombe, with the two discussing the latest political developments in the Mt Kenya region.
After the programme ended, the MP posted on his social media accounts claiming that unidentified hooded men had surrounded the RMS offices in Hurlingham, Nairobi, where he had remained for safety.
“After my Kiririmbi Show this evening a contingent of hooded and masked heavily armed men with a fleet of Subarus have marooned Royal Media Studios and erected road blocks with intentions of arresting me! I will NOT BE INTIMIDATED whatsoever. Arrests if at all must be done legally and constitutionally through uniformed policemen,” posted Kaguchia on his Facebook page.
He continued updating his followers throughout the night, insisting that the individuals seeking him were still outside the media house.
By Monday morning, he had been arrested after leaving the premises. However, by the time of publication, the circumstances surrounding his arrest had not been officially explained.
Newsflash could not independently confirm the identity of those who had been pursuing the legislator or the reasons behind the operation.
Remarks spark controversy
Kaguchia’s arrest comes barely two days after he made remarks at a political rally in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, that have drawn widespread criticism and sparked concerns over political intolerance ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
Addressing supporters in his native Gikuyu language on Saturday, August 1, the MP urged residents not to support President William Ruto or his allies during the next General Election. He warned that anyone who voted for the President would be identified and socially isolated.
“Speaking the truth, if we identify any single vote for Kasongo [William Ruto] here in Kieni, or for his [Ruto] ally, we shall follow you and smoke you out, even from your bedroom. We must keep a record of all those who are supporting that person.
We can’t accept to support him; with all he did to Rigathi; even killing our children. If you support [Ruto], we shall not come to your home to comfort you if you are bereaved. Even if you go to pay dowry, we shall not come to receive [the dowry goats]; you shall take them to Sugoi. When you get sick, you will be going to be given SHA in Sugoi.
“We must keep a record of all those who are supporting that person,” said Kaguchia in his native Gikuyu language.
The remarks quickly generated political debate, with critics describing them as inflammatory and likely to heighten ethnic and political tensions as campaigns for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
Read more: BBS Mall owners demand NCIC action over Gachagua remarks
Among those who condemned the remarks was Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, an ally of President Ruto, who warned that such statements could undermine national cohesion.
Said Wamumbi:
“Hon. Rigathi Gachagua : if William Samoei Ruto wins in 2027, 2007-2008 post elections violence will look like Christmas.
Hon. Kaguchia: If we see anybody supporting Ruto, we shall come for you under your beds, kill you and burn your house.
Kenya is bigger than any of us, and peace must prevail before, during and after elections.
Do these 2 know that there are members of our community who live in other regions?
Bure kabisa.”
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