NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service has dramatically escalated its investigation into the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, with fresh revelations suggesting the incident may have been orchestrated by individuals close to him.
In a briefing on Wednesday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said three more individuals — including the Juja Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Chairman Peter Kiratu — had been arrested and provided key statements that have steered the probe in a new direction.
According to Kiratu, he was with the MP at Full Gospel Church in Mugutha on May 25 when a silver Subaru Forester blocked their exit and two heavily built men forcibly bundled Koimburi into the vehicle. The incident was reported at Mugutha Police Station.
However, subsequent statements and police investigations have begun to unravel that narrative.
Cyrus Kieru Muhia, a supermarket owner in Kahawa West and close ally of the MP, told police he loaned Kiratu his silver Subaru Forester (Reg. No. KDG 803B) on May 24, allegedly to help ferry extra security for the MP.
On the day of the supposed abduction, he said he was instructed to drive two men to the church, only to witness the MP being seized and forced into the vehicle.
The story took an even stranger turn when another suspect, Karanja Gatana, confessed to police that the MP was not tortured — but instead spent the night with his alleged abductors at a hotel.
Gatana said he later helped tear Koimburi’s clothes to simulate signs of abuse before staging his “rescue” in a coffee farm in Juja the following day.
Police have since recovered the two vehicles used in the alleged abduction — the Subaru Forester and a Honda CRV (Reg. No. KBP 096W) belonging to Kiratu.
Koimburi was later taken to Plainsview Hospital in Ruiru by Kiratu and the MP’s daughter, before being referred to Karen Hospital for further treatment.
The motive behind the alleged staged abduction remains unclear, and authorities say investigations are ongoing.
“We urge anyone with additional information to come forward and assist us,” said Kanja, reiterating the NPS’s commitment to “resolving this matter fully.”
