Stay calm, Gachagua tells Koimburi supporters after his alleged abduction

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for calm among Kenyans and supporters of Juja MP George Koimburi, who was found injured and abandoned at a coffee plantation in Kiambu after reportedly being abducted on Sunday.

Gachagua spoke outside Karen Hospital, where the legislator is receiving treatment following what his family has described as a brutal ordeal.

Disturbing videos circulating on social media show Koimburi in visible pain and distress, further fueling public outrage.

“Let me ask the people of Kenya to be calm. I also want to ask supporters of Koimburi to be calm. We will do everything possible to make sure we are more careful,” said Gachagua, flanked by a group of allied lawmakers.

He also urged the international community to closely monitor unfolding events in Kenya and neighbouring countries.

Gachagua alleged that the government has begun targeting opposition MPs by withdrawing their security detail.

“Bodyguards of MPs opposed to the regime have been disarmed so that the lawmakers they are attached to feel vulnerable and stop going for meetings,” he claimed.

Koimburi's disappearance triggered unrest in Juja, with tension escalating after he went missing shortly after presiding over a bursary disbursement event at Gachororo Primary School.

Residents, many of whom had gathered for a follow-up event at Juja Farm, expressed outrage and deep concern over the MP’s safety.

Koimburi’s alleged abduction comes a day after chaos erupted at a Democratic Change Party (DCP) meeting in Kakamega.

Police disrupted the gathering, clashing with party leaders, including DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala.

While the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has denied involvement in Koimburi’s disappearance, it confirmed that the lawmaker is under investigation for alleged land fraud and misuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

The MP’s family claims he was subjected to torture before being dumped in the plantation.

Medical staff at Karen Hospital have yet to release a formal statement on his condition.