A fresh political row has emerged over the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah accusing sections of the opposition of encouraging tribal politics and turning criminal investigations into political campaigns instead of supporting efforts to safeguard national unity. Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, Ichung’wah said leaders have a duty to stand against statements that fuel ethnic divisions, warning that such conduct threatens peace and cohesion across the country. He criticized politicians who have condemned Kaguchia’s arrest, saying they should instead denounce any remarks that are alleged to incite violence or hatred rather than attack law enforcement agencies carrying out their work. Referring to comments by some opposition leaders, Ichung’wah accused them of embracing divisive politics that could harm the country. “Huyo ni shetani wa ukabila ambaye ni lazima ashindwe,” Ichung’wah said, describing tribal incitement as a threat that must be defeated.
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo at State House,Nairobi on August 4,2026.PHOTO/PCS. He maintained that genuine leadership requires supporting lawful action against those accused of making inflammatory remarks instead of portraying them as victims of political persecution. “If you are a true leader, you should not be talking about the arrest of people who are perpetuating criminality and endangering the lives of other Kenyans. You should be condemning them,” he said. The Majority Leader also faulted leaders who, he said, were using ongoing criminal investigations to gain political mileage instead of promoting peace and accountability. “Shame on you if you cannot condemn them. That all you can do is try to seek cheap political capital,” he added. Ichung’wah’s remarks come a day after opposition leaders, among them Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, criticized Kaguchia’s arrest, arguing that although they do not support incitement, the law is not being applied equally. Kalonzo questioned why government officials accused of making similar remarks had not faced similar action, while insisting that freedom of expression must be protected. “I strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Mukurweini MP, Hon. John Kaguchia, over his public remarks. Let me be clear: we do not support incitement from anyone. Every leader has a duty to protect peace and respect the rule of law. The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan freedom of expression,” Kalonzo said on Monday. Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua also termed the arrest politically motivated, saying it reflected what he described as selective enforcement of the law. “I thought this lost regime should be reminded. The Fourth Administration was notorious for using the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and force people to support an unpopular candidate. It didn’t work. In fact, the more they did it, the more the people of Kenya became hardened, and their resolve grew stronger,” he said. Kaguchia was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations after reportedly seeking refuge at Royal Media Services over fears that he would be taken into custody. His legal team has challenged the manner of his arrest, saying they were initially denied access to their client. The arrest also sparked demonstrations in Mukurwe-ini, where supporters called for his release. The legislator spent the night at Kamukunji Police Station and is expected to appear before the Milimani Law Courts after his arrest over remarks he allegedly made during a political rally in Kieni Constituency.