In a week marked by political tension and public outrage, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has taken center stage, emerging from police custody with a bold vow to continue fighting for the rights of ordinary Kenyans.
His arrest on Thursday, July 10, triggered widespread uproar in Embu County and beyond, with supporters and civil society groups denouncing what they termed a blatant attempt to intimidate vocal leaders.
The youthful MP, known for his unapologetic stance on governance, economic justice, and youth empowerment, walked out of police custody with his head held high. Addressing the media shortly after his release, Mukunji declared, “My arrest will not break me. If anything, it strengthens my resolve. I will keep speaking out against injustice and fighting for Kenyans who have been neglected and silenced for far too long.”
Sources close to the legislator suggest that his arrest is linked to his recent, outspoken criticism of certain government decisions, particularly those related to taxation, public debt, and the misuse of state resources. The move has ignited fierce debate over the shrinking space for dissent in Kenya, especially among elected leaders.
Back in Embu, residents rallied behind their MP, accusing authorities of using arrests to instill fear and suppress alternative voices. “We elected him to represent us, not to be arrested for doing his job,” said a local resident during a peaceful demonstration.
Mukunji’s defiance, however, has struck a chord nationally. Many now see him as a symbol of a new generation of leaders, fearless, grounded in community service, and unafraid to speak truth to power. Whether this moment marks a turning point in Kenya’s political discourse remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Gitonga Mukunji is not stepping back, and Kenya is watching.
