Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has promised to continue standing up for Kenyans after spending three days in police custody.
Mukunji was released on Thursday on a cash bail of Ksh300,000 or an alternative surety bond of Ksh1 million. His arrest on Monday, July 7, had sparked protests in Embu County, with residents demanding his immediate release. Speaking shortly after being freed, the legislator expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for justice.
"I would like to thank the people of Embu and the people of Kenya for the support. That’s the spirit—we will always continue to defend the rights of our people," Mukunji said.
His release came after Senior Magistrate Kipkemoi Koech dismissed a police request to detain him and two others for an additional 14 days. The court instead ruled in favour of granting them bail.
Mukunji was arrested in Mang’u, Kiambu County, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was initially held at Kibii Police Station before being moved to an undisclosed location for further interrogation. While the police did not provide an official reason for the arrest, it is widely believed to be connected to the unrest during the Saba Saba protests.
At the Kahawa Law Courts on July 8, Mukunji dismissed the charges, describing them as politically driven. He insisted that he would not be silenced or intimidated, and criticized the state for what he termed as an abuse of power.
"I will not be intimidated because I will continue defending my people. But the loss of property and businesses and loss of life is something that we have to stop," he stated.
Following his arrest, angry protests broke out in Embu as residents took to the streets, calling the move a violation of their democratic rights. Leaders allied to the DCP party, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have also come out in support of Mukunji.
Some of these leaders have hinted at Mukunji’s potential candidacy for the Embu gubernatorial seat in 2027, framing him as a key player in the county’s political future.
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