NAIROBI, Kenya — Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using intimidation and law enforcement agencies to silence critics, following the arrest and arraignment of Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Antony Kibagendi.
In a statement issued on January 21, Kalonzo alleged that security agencies abducted the MP in Nairobi before transferring him across the country to face charges far from where he was arrested, a tactic he described as “persecution by geography.”
“Abducting citizens and political opponents like Antony Kibagendi, transporting them across the country, and charging them at police stations far from where their alleged crimes were committed is not justice. It is persecution by geography,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President argued that the arrest of Kibagendi and other dissenting voices in recent weeks reflects a broader pattern of intimidation by the government, warning that the administration was increasingly governing through fear and impunity.
“Expression of opinion is not a crime. It is a constitutional right, not a favour from the State,” he added, citing the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Kibagendi was arrested on January 20 in Nairobi by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and initially held at Muthaiga Police Station.
He later complained that the arrest was carried out aggressively, alleging he was blocked and forcefully apprehended.
On Wednesday, January 21, the MP was arraigned before the Narok Law Courts, where he was charged with assault and released on a cash bail of Sh100,000. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was scheduled for hearing on March 2.
The charges stem from a December incident in Kisii town, where Kibagendi was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with another man at a restaurant.
His lawyers have questioned why the case was filed in Narok, despite the incident and arrest taking place elsewhere.
Kalonzo said the handling of the case raised serious constitutional concerns, noting that President Ruto had sworn to uphold, defend and protect the Constitution, including safeguards against arbitrary arrest and abuse of state power.
“No amount of intimidation will silence the voices of Kenyans demanding accountability and justice,” Kalonzo said.
The incident has reignited debate over alleged state-sponsored intimidation of opposition figures.
In recent months, opposition leaders and human rights groups have raised concerns over what they describe as an increase in arbitrary arrests and selective enforcement of the law.
