MP Gitonga Mukunji Vows to Keep Defending Kenyans After Release

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has vowed to remain steadfast in defending the rights of Kenyans following his release from police custody on Thursday, July 10.

Speaking shortly after regaining his freedom, Mukunji expressed gratitude to the people of Embu and Kenya at large for standing with him during his arrest. “That’s the spirit. We will always continue to defend the rights of our people,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to public service despite recent challenges.

The legislator was released on a cash bail of Ksh300,000 or an alternative surety bond of Ksh1 million after three days in custody. This followed a ruling by Senior Magistrate Kipkemoi Koech, who dismissed a police application seeking to detain the MP and his two co-accused for an additional 14 days.

Mukunji had been arrested on Monday, July 7, in Mang’u, Kiambu County, at around 3 p.m. He was first held at Kibii Police Station before being transferred to an undisclosed location by DCI officers. While police have not officially stated the reason for the arrest, it is widely linked to the chaos that erupted during the Saba Saba protests.

At the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, Mukunji dismissed the charges against him as baseless and politically motivated. “I will not be intimidated. I will continue defending my people. But we must also end the destruction of property, businesses, and loss of life,” he stated.

The arrest sparked protests in Embu, where residents demanded his release. Within his party, Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP), several leaders have since rallied behind Mukunji, viewing him as a potential contender to challenge Governor Cecile Mbarire in the 2027 general election.