Nyeri residents light bonfires, protest MP Rigathi arrest

Police have restored calm in Nyeri after a section of residents protested against Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua's arrest on Friday.

The youths lit bonfires and blocked vehicles using tyres and rocks within the area.

Some youths went ahead to block cars from entering Nyeri or leaving.

When police arrived at the scene, the youths dispersed.

Security is currently beefed up in the area even as the police officers struggle to remove the blockade.

Reports also indicate that there are protests in Karatina.

MP Rigathi was picked up by DCI officers at 6am and driven away to Nairobi from Nyeri.

It is not clear why he has been arrested but Gachagua, aka Kanda ya Wira is fighting corruption allegations.

It is reported that detectives are piecing together details of how he registered 49 companies that he allegedly used to trade with various agencies in an intricate web that saw him win tenders worth more than Sh 12 billion. Gachagua has denied the claims. 

In some instances, he has said, he was acting as a trustee of several companies listed as beneficiaries of his wealth. 

The legislator says the allegations are politically sponsored.

Via FB post on Friday, Gachagua said dozens of DCI officers raided his Nyeri home to face up charges of money laundering.

“I am being driven to Nairobi at reckless speed to spend the weekend in the cells. I am happy it is finally over. It has been two years of hell; being arrested and released, writing countless statements, being prosecuted in the media, intimidation and harassment to me and family,” he said.

He claimed that the government was unhappy with the loss of the Kiambaa by-election.

“Though I played a minimal role, I had no vote. Will you arrest all voters of Kiambaa? Kiambaa was just a tip of the iceberg, the handshake state faces a humiliating defeat in 2022.”

“In the fullness of time my innocence will be pronounced. I am not cowed or intimidated,” he said.