It will only strengthen our supporters: Gachagua says on arrest of MP John Kaguchia

In a statement on Monday, Gachagua argued that using law enforcement to settle political scores had failed in the past and would not succeed against the opposition.

"The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is synonymous with outgoing, cowardly regimes. The selective application of the law is counterproductive," he said.

Drawing parallels with the period leading up to the 2022 General Election, Gachagua claimed that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration used to employ the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and force people to support an unpopular candidate. 

He said Ruto, who was then Deputy President, had publicly criticized the arrests and questioned the government's approach.

"As President, he is doing exactly what he said at the time was foolish. Has it become more wise?" Gachagua posed.

The former Deputy President further claimed that Kaguchia's arrest would only galvanise opposition supporters instead of weakening their resolve.

"The overnight harassment and early morning arrest of Hon. John Kaguchia today only strengthen the resolve of our supporters and elevate his standing within our leadership hierarchy," he added.

MP Kaguchia was apprehended by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers at the Royal Media Services (RMS) after appearing on Inooro TV's Kiririmbi show on Sunday night and spending the night at the premises.

Speaking in his Kikuyu dialect on Saturday in Kieni, Nyeri County, on Saturday, Kaguchia said that those who will vote for President Ruto in 2027 will be tracked to their homes and smoked out.

The legislator was forced to take refuge at the offices from Sunday evening after appearing on Inooro TV's Kiririmbi show, when he said that hooded men were waiting for him outside the offices to whisk him away.

Gachagua said that lawyers representing the legislator are working to secure his release on bond ahead of his expected court appearance on Tuesday.

He is being held at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road.