MUKURWE-INI MP JOHN KAGUCHIA ARRESTED AT RMS OFFICES AFTER OVERNIGHT STANDOFF OVER ALLEGED INCITEFUL REMARKS

Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on Monday morning at the Royal Media Services (RMS) premises in Nairobi, after spending the night there seeking refuge.

The legislator had remained at the media house — home to Citizen TV and Inooro TV — since Sunday evening following his appearance on Inooro TV’s *Kiririmbi* show. Shortly after the interview, Kaguchia claimed that a contingent of police had surrounded the studios and erected roadblocks with the intention of arresting him.

In social media posts overnight, the MP alleged that more than 40 hooded and masked, heavily armed men, travelling in about 13 Subaru vehicles and double-cab pickups, had gathered outside the premises. He emphasised that no uniformed police were visible and insisted he would not be intimidated. “After my Kiririmbi Show this evening a contingent of Police have surrounded Royal Media Studios and erected road blocks with intentions of arresting me! I will NOT BE INTIMIDATED whatsoever,” he wrote. He later updated that the group remained in place into the early hours.

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru earlier raised concerns, stating that DCI officers had waylaid the MP at the Citizen TV studios under unclear circumstances and calling for transparency and adherence to the rule of law. Opposition leaders and lawyers reportedly stayed at the premises overnight, accusing security agencies of attempting to intimidate the MP. Unconfirmed reports also indicated roadblocks and vehicle searches along nearby roads, including Dennis Pritt Road.

Kaguchia is being investigated over alleged inciteful remarks made during a political rally in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday morning before his arrest, he described the comments as “twisted” and said they were being pushed as inflammatory. He maintained that the matter falls under the purview of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and accused government digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, along with other Mt Kenya legislators, of spreading a skewed narrative that led to the action against him. He noted he had not received a formal summons from the DCI.

Reports indicate the remarks, delivered in Kikuyu, involved statements suggesting that those who vote for President William Ruto would be tracked to their homes. The comments drew criticism from figures including Itumbi and others, who described them as undemocratic.

Regional DCI commander Daniel Kandie, who was part of the contingent that effected the arrest, said Kaguchia would be taken to the regional DCI offices at Milimani for further questioning.

The incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of politicians over inflammatory statements, with the NCIC reportedly examining comments by several high-profile figures. Kaguchia has been an outspoken participant in national political debates in recent months. Further details on any formal charges are expected as investigations continue.