Nairobi, Kenya – A Kenyan Member of Parliament, George Koimburi, has been found injured on a coffee farm after allegedly being abducted by unknown men following a church service on Sunday. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that Koimburi, a vocal government critic, was “badly beaten” and is in “very serious condition” at Karen Hospital in Nairobi.
Koimburi’s wife had told reporters on Sunday that her husband was seized outside a church in his Juja constituency in central Kiambu county and bundled into a vehicle. He was later discovered early on Monday morning by a motorcycle rider in the nearby Ruiru constituency, less than 10km from the alleged abduction site. A video clip circulating widely shows the MP dishevelled and apparently in pain.
The alleged abduction has ignited outrage, with the opposition accusing President William Ruto’s government of intimidation. The government has not yet commented on the specific allegation, though police have reportedly launched an investigation.
Mr. Koimburi is allied with former Deputy President Gachagua, who was impeached and removed from office last year following a public falling-out with President Ruto. Speaking after visiting Koimburi in hospital, Gachagua accused the government of targeting legislators who take a “vocal stand against the government.”
This incident comes amid a wave of abductions in Kenya since mass protests against tax hikes erupted last year, posing the biggest challenge to Ruto’s government since it took office in 2022. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports over 80 abductions since June last year, blaming state security agencies, though they have denied involvement.
Prominent opposition politician Kalonzo Musyoka expressed grave concern over an MP, who is entitled to police security, being abducted “in broad daylight,” remarking, “It means Kenyans are on their own.” Opposition officials are slated to meet on Tuesday to assess “the current state of political harassment and intimidation.”
Earlier this month, President Ruto stated that the government had taken action to prevent further abductions but provided no details.
Mr. Koimburi himself has faced legal challenges, including charges of forging academic qualifications and allegations of land fraud and misuse of government funds, all of which he denies. His alleged abduction also follows the recent shooting death of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi, an incident police described as a “targeted and predetermined” assassination.
Analysis:
The alleged abduction and assault of George Koimburi, a critical voice against the Kenyan government, sends a chilling signal about the state of political space and human rights in the country. This incident is not isolated but occurs within a concerning pattern of abductions since mass protests against tax increases began last year. The blame cast by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on state security agencies, despite official denials, deepens public suspicion and erodes trust in governmental institutions.
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