Anti-riot police block Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara's home

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara addresses the press after police sorrounded her home, blocking guests from accessing the lawmaker's house. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The woes bedevilling Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara have deepened after anti-riot police officers blocked her home in Maraigushu, Naivasha, to stop a visit by her friends.

Teams of armed officers also blocked major roads leading to her home, leaving area residents in fear as the intimidation by State agencies against leaders allied to former DP Rigathi Gachagua went a notch higher.

The latest incident comes barely a fortnight after the MP was whisked from her home and charged at the Milimani law courts with incitement.

Following the Saturday morning incident, area leaders and locals stormed the home of the MP to offer solidarity as the officers watched.

Addressing the press, Kihara confirmed that she expected some friends to visit her for moral support, adding that she did not require a permit for that.

An emotional Kihara blamed President Ruto for her woes, noting that this would not cow her from speaking and defending the poor from being harassed by the State.

"Prior to the elections, I hosted Ruto here, but he has now turned against me by arresting me and directing police to raid my home," she said.

Flanked by area leaders, Kihara said that she had the right to host anyone in her home, adding that she would continue inviting friends and political allies.

"Every day, Ruto and his Deputy Kindiki are hosting delegations, but they have a problem if other elected leaders decide to do the same," she said.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja criticised the State for misusing security agents as parts of the country continued to record insecurity.

He said that they would stand with the embattled MP who was being crucified due to her political stand and her support for the former DP.

"This government is going round harassing perceived enemies as operations in government agencies collapse and insecurity becomes the order of the day," he said.

This was echoed by his Viwandani counterpart, Mwangi Muraya, who wondered if the law had changed and people had to seek permission from the police to visit their MP.

"Ruto, who was once hosted here, is now turning into a dictator by harassing the same people who supported him, and we shall not allow this," he said.