Sliding into anarchy: MP Koimburi tortured, left for dead

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accompanied by Senators Paul Thangwa, John Methue and Naivasha MP Jane Kihara among other leaders, addresses the Press after visiting Juja MP George Koimburi at Karen Hospital, Nairobi, on May 26, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Juja MP George Koimburi was abducted and tortured for allegedly criticising President William Ruto, it has emerged.

According to a source close to the MP who visited him at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi, Koimburi disclosed that he was seized by approximately ten men whom he believed to be security agents.

The MP is said to have been abducted at Full Gospel Church in Mugutha, Kiambu County, where he had attended a church service. He was handcuffed, blindfolded, and later found himself confined in an unknown room.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that on Saturday the MP issued a press statement and, the following day, attended a church service in Murang'a where he openly criticised the Head of State.

He is said to have accused President Ruto of corruption and State-sanctioned killings, referring to him as "a thief and a murderer", and declaring that "he would be voted out and go back to Sugoi."

"Some emissaries were sent to warn him that mkubwa (the President) was unhappy with his remarks. We believe that's why he was abducted and tortured. They had actually planned to capture him on Friday, but he escaped the police dragnet," the source said.

He further claimed that Koimburi's captors admitted they were acting on instructions from a high-ranking State official. In his controversial speech, the MP had alleged that President Ruto's leadership was "tainted with deceit, lies, and killings."

"You all remember when we started-I joined his camp during the by-election. But we've realised he is a liar, deceitful, and a murderer. He killed our children (Gen-Zs) and we will never forget that, or where it all began," Koimburi declared during a service in Gatanga, where he accompanied Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.

The source dismissed claims circulating online that the abduction was stage-managed, stating that Koimburi was "professionally tortured".

"I've seen people online suggesting it was faked, that he should be examined by a private doctor and tested to verify the claims. But that's not the case-they tortured him severely," he said.

He revealed that the MP was beaten and tortured, and that an unknown chemical was injected into his nostrils using a syringe.

"He was forced to inhale something. He has since lost his ability to speak and is only able to scribble on paper to communicate. He looked extremely frail when he was rescued from a coffee plantation. He's now stabilised," the source said.

A statement from the National Police Service on Monday said that the MP has been under investigation for a land fraud matter and a consent to prosecute was issued by the ODPP.

"On Friday 23rd May, the MP, having been fully aware of police intentions to arrest, evaded a dragnet and duped police by escaping using a motorcycle alongside his private security and switched off his mobile phone. His car had only the driver was arrested before later being released after recording a statement. The Hon. MP only resurfaced today amid the abduction claims."

"Police from Juja visited the alleged scene, which was properly documented. Meanwhile, a special team from DCI headquarters is already working on the purported abduction video and all the circumstances surrounding these allegations with a view of getting conclusively to the bottom of this matter," read the statement signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director Corporate Communication/ Spokesperson.

Blood samples have been taken for toxicological analysis to determine whether the chemical affected his speech. Although X-rays revealed no fractures, the source confirmed Koimburi's head and upper abdomen were visibly swollen.

The incident has drawn outrage from lawyers and human rights activists, who have described the abduction and torture as blatant violations of constitutional rights.

"This is abduction, illegal detention, and torture. It's a breach of human dignity. No one should be held arbitrarily, especially in such a manner," said advocate John Njomo.

Njomo stressed that if the MP had committed an offence, legal procedures should have been followed.

"We are guaranteed freedom from torture. Even if someone has committed a crime, they should be arrested, charged, and brought before a court of law. What we've seen here is pure intimidation-a warning to silence political dissent," he said.

"The message this sends is deeply disturbing. If an MP-who enjoys state security-can be abducted in this manner, what hope is there for the ordinary citizen?" he said.

Advocate Mwaura Kabaata, Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya, also condemned the abduction, terming it unconstitutional.