MP Kihara condemns security withdrawal, alleged intimidation of Gachagua allies

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara during the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) meeting with Health NGOs Network (HENNET) where they noted persistent delay in meeting Kenya co-financing obligations under the GAVI agreement on April 4, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito)

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara has said that legislators allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will not be intimidated by the withdrawal of their security or by abductions.

Kihara accused President William Ruto of persecuting leaders who oppose what she termed as his failed policies, asserting her determination to persevere despite harassment from state agencies.

Her remarks follow the recent abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, who was later found abandoned in a coffee plantation, with police implicated in the incident.

Kihara, Koimburi, and their Kipipiri counterpart Wanjiku Muhia are among the Central Kenya MPs whose bodyguards have been withdrawn, allegedly due to their support for Gachagua.

While expressing solidarity with her Juja counterpart over the abduction and mistreatment, Kihara noted that the country has endured similar hardships in the past, which eventually passed.

"My colleague Koimburi had his security withdrawn, but unlike me, he remained silent. We want to tell Ruto that his actions and threats will not intimidate us," she stated.

Kihara made the comments during a press briefing in Naivasha at an event to distribute cheques from the Uwezo Fund. She accused the president of continuously campaigning while ordinary Kenyans suffer.

"The ongoing campaign and cash handouts by the Deputy President to Central Kenya are akin to bribery. We urge the electorate to accept the money but not compromise their values," she said.

Regarding the Uwezo Fund, she announced that a total of Sh2.7 million has been distributed to various women’s, youth, and disabled groups in Naivasha.

She encouraged beneficiaries to repay their loans, highlighting that they are working with the provincial administration to track down defaulters.

"Some groups that have been repaying their loans have recently received Sh300,000. We urge other beneficiaries to follow suit and settle their loans," she appealed.

One of the women leaders, Zipporah Njoki, described the government's decision to withdraw MPs’ security personnel as cowardly and unfair, especially given the support these leaders provided during the campaigns.

"Sadly, those who supported Ruto to win the presidency are now being targeted by the government through threats and intimidation," she stated.

Naivasha sub-county youth officer Keziah Mwaura added that 26 groups have benefitted from the fund, which disbursed over Sh2.6 million.

"We are calling on the beneficiaries to ensure they repay their loans so that more groups can benefit, and we have observed a decrease in default cases," she said.