LSK's Faith Odhiambo calls out security agencies over Koimburi's abduction

Juja MP George Koimburi. [File, Standard]

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo has condemned the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi who was discovered in a coffee plantation in Kiambu County on Monday morning.

MP Koimburi was abducted by unidentified individuals as he was coming from a church service on Sunday, May 25.

According to Odhiambo, many reported cases of human rights violations remain unresolved, a situation that has emboldened perpetrators who are targeting Kenyans indiscriminately, including elected leaders.

“Today's events bear unfortunate shades of days past, in which human rights could be violated and limited every which way, with little to no resolution or repercussions,” she said adding, “We strongly condemn the inhumane treatment that Hon. Koimburi was subjected to and reiterate that there is no room for criminality and violation of human rights in the Kenya of today.”

In her statement, Odhiambo noted a growing trend where violent crimes have continued unchecked, warning that it risks upsetting unity, national security and the country’s constitutional order.

“We call on our investigative agencies to urgently deploy resources to identify, weed out, and punish the perpetrators of this and other heinous crimes over which the people of Kenya remain anxious,” said Odhiambo.

She highlighted the April 30 public execution of Kasipul MP Charles Were on Nairobi’s Ngong Road which left Kenyans questioning their safety.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has denied involvement in the ordeal but confirmed that the lawmaker has been on its radar since last Friday, the day unknown people first attempted to arrest the MP forcing him to flee on a motorcycle. 

However, the National Police Service clarified that the MP was being investigated for land fraud and escaped a dragnet on the fateful Friday then switched off his phone before re-emerging on Monday. 

In short viral video clips, the legislator appeared unconscious and was rushed to the Karen Hospital in Nairobi for treatment.

“The fundamental question that arises is how safe the people of Kenya are if such absurd atrocities can be committed against guarded elected leaders,” remarked Odhiambo.

An investigation into the abduction is underway. The police visited the coffee farm where the MP was dumped, and are also analysing clips from the event.