Opposition leaders in Nairobi pressed investigative agencies on Monday to explain the arrest of Mukurwe‑ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia and to demand that his constitutional rights be respected. The lawmakers called on detectives to follow due process and to allow the MP immediate access to his legal team after he was taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Kiambu Road for questioning.
The delegation, which included Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo and several other opposition politicians, arrived shortly after Kaguchia was escorted to the DCI by officers following his arrest outside the Royal Media Services (RMS) premises in the morning. The MP had spent the night at RMS after appearing on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi programme, where he discussed national political issues.
Speaking to journalists outside the DCI, Senator Maanzo said the opposition’s legal team had requested permission to meet Kaguchia and to establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention. He added that if detectives had evidence linking the MP to any offence, they should formally process him and present him before a court. “If there are allegations against him, let the investigators process him in accordance with the law and arraign him before a competent court. That is the procedure required under our justice system,” Maanzo said.
Maanzo also noted that lawyers representing Kaguchia were seeking clarification from investigators on the nature of the allegations against the MP and the status of the ongoing investigations. Robert Mbui faulted the manner in which the arrest was conducted, insisting that every suspect is entitled to legal representation and fair treatment regardless of political affiliation. “We are here to ensure that due process is observed. His lawyers must be granted access to him because that is what the Constitution and the law provide,” Mbui said.
The Deputy Minority Leader explained that opposition lawmakers had converged at the DCI headquarters to monitor developments and to receive official communication from detectives regarding the case facing their colleague. A number of opposition supporters and political allies also assembled outside the DCI offices, waiting for updates from investigators and members of Kaguchia’s legal team.
Kaguchia was arrested shortly after leaving the Royal Media Services premises, where he had remained overnight after his television interview, before being driven to the DCI headquarters for questioning. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of elected officials and the adherence to legal safeguards in Kenya’s investigative processes. The opposition’s call for transparency and due process underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights for all citizens, including public representatives. Further developments will be reported as the investigation proceeds.
