A political row over remarks allegedly made at a public gathering has now moved to the courtroom after Mukurweini MP John Philip Gichohi Kaguchia denied a charge of offensive conduct linked to comments prosecutors say were aimed at supporters of President William Ruto.
The legislator pleaded not guilty when he appeared before court and was later released on a cash bail of Sh100,000 as the case awaits hearing.
Kaguchia was charged with offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace, an offence under Section 94(1) of the Penal Code, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the charge against him.
According to court documents, the alleged offence took place on August 1, 2026, at Naromoru Shopping Centre in Kieni East Sub-County, Nyeri County.
The prosecution told the court that Kaguchia knowingly and intentionally made remarks in the Kikuyu language that were intended to provoke a breach of the peace.
The charge sheet states that the MP allegedly told members of the public that anyone in Kieni who voted for or supported President Ruto, whom he allegedly referred to as "Kasongo", would be identified and socially isolated.
Prosecutors further claim that he said such supporters would not be visited during bereavement, their dowry ceremonies would be boycotted and, if they became sick, they should seek treatment in Sugoi.
The prosecution argues that the alleged remarks were intended to stir hostility and create conditions that could lead to a breach of the peace.
Kaguchia denied the charge when he was arraigned in court.
The court released him on a cash bail of Sh100,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.
His arraignment comes only days after his arrest triggered political reactions from leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who described the move as politically motivated.
Among those who spoke out was UDA MP Antony Kagombe, who threatened to leave the ruling party and join Gachagua's Wamunyoro movement following Kaguchia's arrest.