Tension gripped Embu on Tuesday as residents took to the streets demanding the immediate release of Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji.
Mukunji was arrested during the Saba Saba protests on Monday.
Protesters lit tires and blocked roads, airing their grievances.
The residents claimed the government is acting unfairly and condemned the arrest of the legislator.
“Our MP is innocent! We will not sit and watch as he is persecuted for speaking out. Let them release him unconditionally,” one protester shouted amid cheers from the gathered crowd.
The protest has resulted in the closure of businesses, as traders fear possible looting and chaos.
Transport has also been paralysed.
Mukunji was arrested on Monday in connection with chaos that rocked Embu during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
Police had to use force to disperse crowds in several parts of the county.
It is alleged that the MP incited residents to violence during the protests, prompting his arrest.
He was first taken to Kibii Police Station in Juja, where he was booked at 3:53 pm, according to his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
“He was arrested around 3 pm and booked under OB number 06/07/07/2025,” Njiru said.
Later in the evening, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Juja picked up the MP.
The National Police Service confirmed his arrest in a statement issued Monday night.
“A number of suspects have been arrested, including Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency,” the statement said.
Mukunji was later transferred to Muthaiga Police Station, where he spent the night.
On Wednesday morning at around 10 am, he was taken to the Kahawa Law Courts.
