- Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara arrested at home after ignoring DCI summons.
- She’s accused of undermining a public officer under Penal Code Section 132.
- Kihara says that the law was declared unconstitutional in 2016.
- Her arrest comes amid political tension and criticism of President Ruto’s leadership.
- The legal team calls it political intimidation and cites inadequate notice.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara was arrested at her Maraigucu residence after failing to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). She had been summoned to respond to accusations of undermining the authority of a public officer, an offence listed under Section 132 of the Penal Code.
She was taken to Naivasha police station, as confirmed by Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Wachira Waiganjo.
Kihara declined to honour the summons, stating through her lawyers at Ndegwa & Ndegwa Advocates that the cited law was nullified in 2016.
“Our client… finds herself unable to participate in a process founded upon a law that has been declared invalid,” the letter to the DCI read.
The legal team referenced a High Court ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita in the Robert Alai v Attorney General case, which annulled Section 132, declaring it unconstitutional and invalid.
DCI accused Kihara of making “inciteful or disruptive” remarks during public rallies. She had recently criticised President William Ruto for ordering police to shoot violent protesters in the leg, comments that stirred national outrage.
Kihara, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissed the charges as politically driven.
“Summoning me to DCI headquarters tomorrow will not change Kenyans’ resolve, because this is not about Jayne Kihara but about our country, Kenya,” she said.
Her arrest follows a wave of public discontent, including the recent Saba Saba protests and the anniversary of the Gen Z-led anti-tax movement. Many see her arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent within and outside the ruling coalition.
Her legal team also protested the short notice given by the DCI, saying it violated her right to prepare for a legal defence. The DCI had warned that failure to appear constituted an offence.
Kihara remains in custody as the political drama unfolds
