Koimburi woes: Opposition raises concern over growing repression

Former CS Justin Muturi at Karen Hospital after visiting Juja MP George Koimburi who is admitted after he was allegedly abducted and tortured. [Collins Oduor, Standard] Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the alleged abduction and torture of Juja MP George Koimburi, describing it as a dangerous indicator of escalating political repression in Kenya. They termed the incident part of a pattern of kidnappings and attacks aimed at silencing critics of President William Ruto's administration. Addressing the media on Monday at Karen Hospital, where Koimburi is receiving treatment, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi decried the incident as an assault on democracy and freedom of expression. Kalonzo rejected claims by the National Police Service (NPS) that the MP had staged his own abduction, dismissing them as outrageous. "When you hear claims that Mheshimiwa abducted himself, you can only pray for such people. They are evil. He is lucky to be alive," Kalonzo said. On Monday, the police issued a statement denying involvement in the incident and alleging the MP had orchestrated the abduction himself. However, the opposition leaders maintained that Koimburi was kidnapped by unknown individuals on Sunday after attending a church service, and was later found in a coffee plantation with signs of torture. They argued that the attack fits into a broader strategy to silence dissent through fear and intimidation, pointing to several recent incidents where opposition activities were met with violence. "This is not just about Koimburi. It is about silencing those who dare speak the truth. It betrays the President's pledge to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law," read a joint statement read by Wamalwa. The leaders cited a recent incident in Kakamega, where a homecoming event for DAP-K Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala descended into chaos after police allegedly used live bullets to disperse attendees. They also referenced protests in Bungoma over the alleged grabbing of Nzoia Sugar Company, which were met with heavy police force. "These are not isolated events. They are part of a deliberate and systematic effort to instil fear and suppress political opposition," the statement continued. They also raised alarm over the recent deaths of two Catholic priests-Fr Allois Cheruiyot, who was shot dead in Kerio Valley shortly after detectives reportedly visited his residence, and Fr John Maina, who had previously hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his church. Further, the opposition accused telecommunications companies of complicity in unlawful surveillance, alleging that some were facilitating the tracking of citizens and aiding abductions. "We are deeply concerned about the role certain companies may be playing in these illegal activities. They must come clean on their data practices and recommit to respecting the privacy and rights of Kenyans," read the statement.

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Koimburi woes: Opposition raises concern over growing repression

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