In a shocking twist to a saga that has gripped the nation, fresh reports from Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have cast a dark shadow over the opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, initially framed as a chilling act of political intimidation by the government, is now unraveling as a meticulously orchestrated ploy, raising serious questions about the opposition’s tactics and their impact on Kenya’s fragile political and economic stability.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Koimburi, a vocal ally of Gachagua and a critic of President William Ruto’s administration, was reportedly abducted outside a church in his Juja constituency. The news sent shockwaves across Kenya, with Gachagua swiftly seizing the moment to accuse the government of targeting opposition figures.
Speaking outside Karen Hospital over the weekend, where Koimburi was admitted, Gachagua claimed the MP had been “tortured by professionals” and poisoned with chemicals, alleging a sinister state-sponsored plot to silence dissent.
His fiery rhetoric, amplified by opposition leaders, fueled public outrage and painted a grim picture of a nation teetering on the edge of authoritarianism.
Yet, as the dust settles, a starkly different narrative is emerging.
According to a statement from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on May 28, 2025, preliminary investigations suggest that Koimburi’s abduction was staged with the help of close allies. The DCI has arrested one suspect, identified as the owner of a Subaru Forester used in the alleged plot, and impounded two vehicles linked to the incident.
Kanja revealed that Koimburi spent Sunday night at a hotel, contradicting claims of a brutal abduction. This revelation has turned the spotlight on Gachagua and his allies, who appear to have exploited the incident to stoke public fear and garner sympathy for their cause.
A Pattern of Deception?
This is not the first time Gachagua has been linked to claims of staged incidents. Posts on X have pointed to a pattern, with some alleging that the former deputy president has previously been accused of orchestrating disruptions, including during the 2024 Gen Z protests and even attacks on his own meetings to portray himself as a victim.
These claims, while unverified, feed into a growing perception that Gachagua’s opposition is resorting to desperate measures to undermine the government. The Juja MP’s saga, in particular, raises troubling questions about the opposition’s willingness to manipulate public sentiment, even at the cost of national stability.
Koimburi’s own history adds fuel to the controversy. The MP, who was re-elected in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance ticket, has faced legal troubles, including charges of forging academic certificates in February 2025.
His association with Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 for divisive politics, has made him a lightning rod for criticism. Some speculate that the alleged abduction was a calculated move to deflect attention from his legal woes and bolster Gachagua’s narrative of a government targeting its critics.
The High Stakes of Political Theater
The implications of this scandal are profound. Kenya, already grappling with economic challenges and a history of political volatility, cannot afford the panic and division sown by such tactics. Gachagua’s inflammatory claims, made without evidence, risk inciting unrest and eroding public trust in institutions.
The opposition’s narrative of state-sponsored abductions, now undermined by the DCI’s findings, could deter international investors wary of political instability, further straining Kenya’s economy.
President Ruto, speaking in Meru County on May 26, 2025, took a veiled swipe at Gachagua, praising his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, for focusing on development rather than “divisive politics.”
Ruto’s remarks underscored a broader critique of the opposition’s tactics, accusing them of “spreading lies” to divide Kenyans. This contrast highlights the growing rift between the government’s push for stability and the opposition’s apparent willingness to flirt with chaos for political gain.
A Call for Accountability
The opposition’s gambit, if proven true, is a reckless escalation in Kenya’s already polarized political landscape. By fanning the flames of fear and mistrust, Gachagua and his allies risk opening the door to violence and unrest, reminiscent of past election-related tensions.
Opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka have vowed to address “political harassment” in meetings scheduled for May 29, 2025, but their credibility is now under scrutiny as the Koimburi saga unfolds.
The DCI’s investigation is ongoing, and Kenyans await further clarity on the motives behind the alleged staged abduction.
For now, the opposition, led by Gachagua, stands at a crossroads. Will they double down on divisive rhetoric, or will they heed the call for responsible leadership?
“What was the plan?”
The answer may well determine the future of Kenya’s political stability.
