NAIROBI —Kenyan police have interviewed five people as they investigate claims that Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi was abducted an incident that’s sparked national debate, political outcry, and growing questions over what really happened.
But even as the inquiry begins, police say their efforts are being hampered. Officers have been denied access to Koimburi, who is receiving treatment at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi. His family has so far refused to allow detectives into his ward.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that a specialised team of detectives, backed by forensic analysts, had been dispatched to examine the alleged crime scene.
“On Monday, 26 May, we became aware of a video circulating on social media, appearing to show the MP abandoned at a coffee farm in Juja,” Kanja told reporters. “Our officers responded immediately.”
But the video didn’t match reality.
“When police visited the location, they compared the terrain and road shown in the footage with the actual site,” Kanja said. “They didn’t match.”
The farm in question belongs to businessman Jimmy Wanjigi. Moses Kariuki, the caretaker, told officers he saw nothing unusual that day. “He stated clearly that he had not witnessed any such incident,” Kanja added.
Questions Without Answers
Koimburi was reportedly found at the farm and initially taken to Plainsview Hospital in Ruiru. He was later transferred to Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he remains.
But at Plainsview, police hit another dead end. “Hospital staff declined to give details about the treatment he received or his injuries,” Kanja said. That has made it difficult to determine whether the MP suffered harm consistent with abduction.
Despite these setbacks, Kanja said the investigation remains active. “We’ve already recorded statements from five individuals. We expect to interview several more, including the MP himself, once his family allows it.”
He pledged transparency. “We assure Kenyans we will pursue the truth with diligence. Further updates will be shared as the investigation continues.”
Political Pressure Mounts
The case has quickly turned political. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has ordered the police to present a preliminary report to Parliament. Members of the House Security Committee have also been instructed to visit the MP in hospital and brief lawmakers on his condition.
Opposition leaders have seized on the moment. Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua of the PLP visited Koimburi in hospital and condemned what they described as a pattern of harassment.
“This is yet another case of political intimidation,” Karua said. “We demand an end to abductions and extrajudicial practices.”
Koimburi has faced legal trouble in recent months, including a pending land fraud case. According to police, he evaded arrest last week by fleeing on a motorbike with his security detail and switching off his phone.
The video of his supposed abduction surfaced shortly afterwards, fuelling public confusion and speculation.
Now, as police dig deeper and political rhetoric intensifies, Kenyans are left to wonder: Was this a genuine kidnapping or something else entirely?
