Nairobi, Kenya — Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has launched a sharp attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of using intimidation and state security agencies to silence political opponents.
Kalonzo’s remarks follow the arrest and court arraignment of Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi, a vocal government critic.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday, January 21, Kalonzo alleged that security agencies went beyond a normal arrest and instead “abducted” the legislator.
He claimed Kibagendi was aggressively blocked, arrested, and transported across counties before being charged far from where the alleged offence occurred.
“Abducting citizens and political opponents like Antony Kibagendi, transporting them across the country, and charging them at police stations far from where their alleged crimes were committed is not justice. It is persecution by geography,” Kalonzo stated.
The former Vice President accused the government of ruling through fear and impunity, arguing that such actions are part of a broader strategy to intimidate critics and suppress dissenting voices.
Kalonzo further stressed that freedom of expression is a constitutional right, not a privilege granted by the state. He warned that no amount of intimidation would silence Kenyans and accused the administration of violating the very Constitution President Ruto swore to uphold.
The incident reportedly began on Tuesday, January 20, when Kibagendi was allegedly blocked and arrested in Nairobi by officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was first taken to Muthaiga Police Station before being transported to Narok Law Courts for arraignment the following day.
The MP was charged with assault causing bodily harm and malicious damage to property in connection with a November 2025 incident captured on CCTV, where he allegedly assaulted a man at a restaurant in Kisii town.
Kibagendi pleaded not guilty and was released on a KSh 100,000 cash bail or a KSh 200,000 bond, with the case set to be mentioned in March.
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions nationwide.
Several political leaders have joined Kalonzo in criticising the manner of the arrest, arguing that authorities could have summoned the MP instead of using what they described as heavy-handed tactics.
Supporters of Kibagendi also staged demonstrations in Kisii Town, condemning what they view as politically motivated harassment.
However, others have cautioned against politicising criminal cases, urging respect for the judicial process while raising concerns about due process and democratic tolerance.
By the time of publishing, there had been no detailed official response from the Office of the President, the Interior Ministry, or the DCI regarding Kalonzo’s accusations. Government officials have generally maintained that law enforcement actions are conducted within the law.
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