Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mwaniki Mukunji spent another night in custody on Wednesday pending the hearing of a police application seeking to detain him for 14 more days to conclude investigations.
The MP was presented alongside journalist James Mbochi and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthi before Kahawa Court Magistrate Richard Koech, who directed that the prosecution argue the application today (Thursday).
The three were arrested on July 7 during the Saba Saba demonstrations in Juja, Kiambu County.
Protesters demanding the release of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji as they protest in Embu town, on July 8, 2025.
Photo credit: George Munene | Nation
Police say they are investigating the trio for allegedly collecting and providing property for the commission of terrorist acts and conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The court also directed that Mr Mukunji be taken to Nairobi Hospital for treatment before being returned to Muthaiga Police Station.
Police said they had earlier taken the MP and the two other suspects to Mbagathi Hospital, but Mr Mukunji declined treatment insisting on seeing a doctor of his choice.
"The hearing of the application is adjourned to tomorrow," the magistrate ruled.
According to the prosecution, at the time of arrest the MP was found with a diary labeled ‘KYPA’ containing names and amounts of money allegedly paid to various individuals linked to criminal activities in Nairobi and Embu.
Among the named individuals is Evans Ngare Njiru, alias Balala, who is being investigated for violent acts targeting people and both public and private property. He is currently at large according to police.
Mr Desterio Omukanga, an officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated in an affidavit that the MP is influential, has shown a tendency toward violence and is likely to interfere with witnesses.
He said more time is needed to record statements from witnesses and victims in Nairobi, Embu and Kiambu, analyse mobile phones, retrieve data and review CCTV footage from premises allegedly vandalized or looted.
“Considering the serious nature of the offences under investigation and the weight of public interest involved, the applicant prays this honorable court to remand the respondents at Muthaiga Police Station,” Mr Omukanga stated.
The defence team led by lawyers Kibe Mungai and Ndegwa Njiru opposed the application and were allowed to cross-examine Mr Omukanga on the contents of his affidavit.
Mr Omukanga admitted he had not yet decided on the specific charges to prefer against the three and was pressed to explain why they were presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court.
