Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, terming it a misuse of the criminal justice system and warning it could deepen political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Kaguchia was arrested on Monday morning outside Royal Media Services studios in Nairobi, where he had spent the night after appearing on a live television programme.
He was later taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for questioning over remarks allegedly made during a political rally in Nyeri County.
Police are investigating the legislator over statements authorities say could be construed as inflammatory, with officials maintaining that the arrest followed due process.
However, Mr Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), faulted the move, accusing the government of selectively applying the law to target political opponents.
“The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is synonymous with outgoing, cowardly regimes,” Mr Gachagua said in a statement. “The selective application of the law is counterproductive.”
He argued that similar tactics employed by past administrations had failed, instead galvanising public support for those perceived to be under political persecution.
“The more they did it, the more Kenyans became hardened and their resolve grew stronger,” he said.
In a pointed remark, Mr Gachagua referenced President William Ruto’s past criticism of state crackdowns on opposition figures when he served as Deputy President, questioning the apparent shift in approach.
“As President, he is doing exactly what he said at the time was foolish. Has it now become wise?” he posed.
The former Deputy President further suggested that the arrest could inadvertently strengthen Mr Kaguchia’s political standing.
“The overnight harassment and early morning arrest of Hon Kaguchia will only strengthen the resolve of our supporters and elevate his standing within our leadership,” he said.
Lawyers representing the MP have since moved to secure his release, with efforts underway to have him freed on bond ahead of his expected arraignment.
The arrest has drawn reactions from sections of the opposition, who are calling for adherence to due process, while authorities insist the matter is being handled within the law.
The development adds to rising political tensions in the Mt Kenya region, where alignments continue to shift amid growing rivalry between government and opposition factions.