The kidnapping of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi has caused a lot of concern, but the reaction from Kenya’s political leaders, especially other MPs, has been much quieter compared to the strong anger that followed the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were just two weeks ago.
Koimburi, known for speaking out against the government, was reportedly taken on Sunday, May 25, 2025, outside the Full Gospel Church in Mugutha, Kiambu County.
Reports say he was forced into a silver Subaru Forester by unknown people and later found hurt at a coffee plantation in Kibichoi, Ruiru, on Monday morning.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who visited Koimburi in the hospital, said that the MP was tortured by “professionals” and suggested that the state was involved. However, the National Police Service (NPS) strongly denied these claims.
The NPS stated that Koimburi was avoiding arrest related to a land fraud case and had gone into hiding after a failed attempt to arrest him on Friday, May 23.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said that the incident was a planned move by the MP to escape facing the law, and investigations are ongoing to check a viral video showing Koimburi looking distressed.
Despite how serious the situation is, which even saw Koimburi’s wife getting hurt while trying to help him, other MPs have not spoken up much.
Just two weeks ago, MPs were very vocal in condemning the awful murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were. His death led to many calls for justice and accusations of political violence.
But now, those same voices are mostly quiet about Koimburi’s situation. Many people online pointed out that some ODM legislators and UDA supporters are making fun of Koimburi, suggesting he faked his kidnapping.
They seem to have forgotten that just two months ago, Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was killed, and his killers are still free.
Another person online criticized the silence, saying, “They couldn’t kill Juja MP George Koimburi because it would cause too much uproar. Instead, they just beat him and left him. What a shameful and criminal government.”
Former Deputy President Gachagua and a few close allies, like Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, are among the few prominent people to speak about Koimburi’s kidnapping, with Gachagua claiming a pattern of state-sponsored violence against critics of the government.
Opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka have also spoken out against the incident, but the wider response from the parliament is noticeably missing.
Tharaka MP George Murugara acknowledged that some arrests of critics might be influenced by the state, but he questioned Koimburi’s kidnapping, mentioning that Koimburi has a history of avoiding authorities and that politicians are known for creating drama.
He also brought up the murder case of Were, noting that a suspect named Philip Aroko turned himself in, suggesting a different situation from Koimburi’s case.
As Koimburi recovers in the hospital, the lack of strong support from MPs has left many Kenyans wondering why a daytime kidnapping has not received the same strong reaction as the murder of Were.
