Mukurweini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia has been released on a Sh1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Sh 250,000 after spending days in custody over alleged remarks targeting supporters of “Kasongo”
Kaguchia was arrested after allegedly uttering words in Kikuyu intended to provoke a breach of peace during an incident at Naromoru Shopping Centre in Kieni East, Nyeri County, on August 1, 2026.
According to the charge sheet, Kaguchia allegedly told residents that anyone in Kieni who voted for or supported “Kasongo” would be socially isolated and would not receive community support during bereavement or dowry ceremonies.
He is also accused of telling those who supported “Kasongo” that, should they fall ill, they should use the Social Health Authority (SHA) to seek treatment in Sugoi.
Kaguchia denied the allegations.
His release followed a series of court proceedings in which his lawyers challenged both the circumstances of his arrest and the legality of his continued detention.
The defence told the court that Kaguchia had appeared on Inooro FM’s Kiririmbi programme on August 2, where he and other guests discussed matters concerning public enlightenment.
According to his lawyers, the programme ended at about 9pm, after which staff at the Royal Media Services premises allegedly alerted the MP that about 30 Subaru vehicles were outside, with some occupants reportedly hooded, and were asking whether he had left the station.
The lawyers said Kaguchia contacted them and was advised to remain at the media station overnight for his safety.
His lawyer told the court that he arrived at the Royal Media Services premises at about 5am and found the MP still there.
At around 9am, a group of officers arrived and allegedly identified themselves as DCI officers before informing Kaguchia that he was under arrest.
The defence claimed that no summons or warrant had been presented to the MP and that, when asked why he had not been summoned to appear before investigators, one of the officers allegedly said they were acting on “instructions from above”.
Kaguchia was subsequently taken to DCI headquarters, where his lawyers claimed they were denied access to him.
The defence argued that the alleged denial violated Kaguchia’s constitutional right to communicate and consult with an advocate.
Lawyer Kiragu Wathuta further argued that the MP had already spent two nights in custody and should not have been subjected to continued detention over what he described as a misdemeanour.
The defence also challenged the charge itself, arguing that the particulars presented by the prosecution did not sufficiently disclose an offence under Section 94(1) of the Penal Code.
The lawyers further questioned why Kaguchia was being tried outside the jurisdiction where the alleged remarks were made, arguing that the alleged offence occurred in Naromoru, Kieni East, Nyeri County.
They urged the court to reject what they described as a defective charge and release the MP.
Kaguchia has now secured his release on the Sh1 million bond or Sh250,000 cash bail as the criminal proceedings continue.
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