EMBU, Kenya- Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has questioned the deployment of scores of police officers outside his rural home amid reports that authorities intend to arrest him over Saturday’s violence at Nembure Stadium.
Mukunji shared a screenshot from CCTV footage showing officers gathered outside the property in Mutunduri, Embu County, from early Sunday morning.
Addressing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the legislator said the security operation was unnecessary because police could have summoned him to appear at a station.
“Bwana Kipchumba Murkomen, the 100 police officers at my gate in my rural home from 6am in the morning is really unnecessary. I think there is a better way to use them,” Mukunji wrote.
“A simple summons to any police station is enough for me. This is pure misuse of taxpayers’ dollars.”
The MP said he had already left the residence and was attending a church service in Mwea.
“Hata nishatoka niko kanisani Mwea. Kununua uoga nayo siwezi kabisa,” he added, indicating that he would not be intimidated by the operation.
Police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers were earlier deployed to Mutunduri amid reports that Mukunji was being sought over the violence that disrupted a UDA meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The planned grounds for his reported arrest remain unclear, and police have not publicly confirmed whether a warrant has been issued against him.
Violence erupted after a group of residents attempted to enter Nembure Stadium, where the UDA meeting was underway.
The confrontation spilled onto the Embu–Meru highway as police officers moved to disperse the crowd.
Two people were reportedly shot during the confrontation, while several others, including police officers, were injured.
The National Police Service officially confirmed one death, several injuries and six vehicles torched during the chaos. Police also said several people were arrested at the scene.
Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet said the DCI had formed a special team to investigate the violence and identify those responsible.
Mukunji has denied organising or financing the disruption, saying he was being blamed because of his political differences with local and national government leaders.
DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has also accused the government of targeting Mukunji and said party lawyers were ready to represent him if he was arrested.
