Nairobi — Speaking on Citizen TV on Monday morning, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka criticised the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, arguing that the manner in which police handled the situation raised serious questions about due process and respect for dissent.
“The feeling I’m beginning to have is that we’re becoming more and more intolerant to what we say about others,” Senator Onyonka said. “And what the others want to do when we say some things.”
His remarks came hours after Hon. Kaguchia was taken into custody by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The MP had spent the night at Citizen TV studios, claiming that police had surrounded the premises following controversial remarks he made at a political rally in Nyeri County over the weekend.
Senator Onyonka described the scene outside the media house as excessive. “There were about 40 police officers brandishing rifles and several vehicles waiting for him,” he said. “He’s a member of parliament. I don’t think he’s going to run anywhere.”
The senator was careful not to defend the content of Hon. Kaguchia’s remarks, which have drawn sharp criticism. At the rally, the MP warned that voters in the Mount Kenya region who support President William Ruto in the 2027 election would be “tracked” and “smoked out”, language that opponents say is inflammatory and dangerous in a country with a history of election-related tensions.
“I’m not justifying what he said,” Hon. Onyonka added. “But there must be a better way.”
He suggested that authorities could have pursued a less confrontational approach. “You can send a message. If I don’t respond, then ask me to report to the DCI. Follow due process,” he said.
Onyonka also warned that highly visible arrests outside media houses could discourage public figures from appearing on television, for fear of similar treatment. Such actions, he said, risk creating a chilling effect on open debate.
Police have not publicly outlined the specific charges facing Mr Kaguchia. Officials have indicated he is being held at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road as investigations continue.
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