Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts after being arrested under unclear circumstances on Thursday morning at her residence in Nakuru County.
Her court appearance on Friday followed a series of tense and dramatic events, including conflicting reports about her whereabouts, a video showing her being escorted by police, and claims by her lawyer that she was held incommunicado.
Arrest Caught on Facebook Live
Kihara’s arrest was streamed live on her Facebook page, where viewers witnessed a contingent of plainclothes and uniformed officers storming her compound. This took place shortly after she held a meeting with Mai Mahiu sand harvesters at her home.
The MP was led into a green SUV and initially detained at Naivasha Police Station, where she was scheduled to record a statement. However, she was later transferred to DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, then finally to Pangani Police Station, where she reportedly spent the night.
Confusion Over Her Whereabouts
On Friday morning, her lawyer Ndegwa Njiru caused a stir online after posting that he could not locate his client. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Njiru wrote:
“We are at Milimani, at around 7:00 am, the client was brought here but held at the parking. She wasn’t booked at the Milimani holding cells. She was at around 8:20 am whisked away in a green Subaru to an unknown destination. We are stranded.”
Despite the confusion, a video published by Citizen Digital later showed MP Kihara being led out of the same green Subaru and escorted into Milimani Law Courts by armed officers.
Wiper Leader and Allies Present in Court
In a show of solidarity, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and a number of other political figures were seen at Milimani Law Courts to witness the proceedings. Their presence highlights the political weight behind the case and has sparked speculation over possible political motivations behind the arrest.
Charges Linked to Remarks Against Senior Official
According to police sources, the MP’s arrest stems from allegedly inflammatory remarks she made that were deemed to undermine the authority of a senior public official.
Earlier this week, Assistant Inspector General George Lenny Kisaka issued a formal notice summoning the legislator to appear at the DCI headquarters on Monday, which she failed to honor.
It’s believed that her failure to respond to the summons triggered Thursday’s dramatic arrest.
What Happens Next?
The court proceedings remain ongoing, and it is not yet clear what charges, if any, will be formally preferred against the legislator. Her legal team has raised questions about due process and whether her arrest and detention complied with the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code.
Kihara’s allies argue the arrest was a deliberate attempt to intimidate her, while others await clarity on the exact nature of the remarks that led to the current legal showdown.
Background: Who Is Jayne Kihara?
Jayne Kihara is a seasoned politician and vocal legislator representing Naivasha Constituency. Known for her strong grassroots presence, she has often courted controversy with her unfiltered public remarks, making her both a formidable leader and a lightning rod for criticism.
Public Reaction
Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed reactions, with some condemning what they perceive as targeted political intimidation, while others argue that leaders must be held accountable for their statements.