Kikuyu Constituency MP aspirant Surveyor Kigathi Kionywe has once again been left disappointed after the Kiambu court postponed the hearing of his case earlier today. Kigathi, who is facing arson charges related to the burning of the office of the current MP and Leader of Majority in Parliament, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, says the continued delays are part of a political scheme to frustrate his rising influence.
This marks the seventh time the case has been pushed forward, with today’s delay triggered by a fresh application from the prosecution. The prosecution is seeking to consolidate Kigathi’s case with that of seven other individuals arrested over the same incident.
Surveyor Kigathi at Kiambu High Court during the hearing.
They argue that all eight were involved in the burning of the MP’s office in Kikuyu and that there’s no need to call different witnesses since the crime allegedly took place on the same day.
However, Kigathi’s legal team strongly opposed the move, stating that the charges facing the eight individuals differ significantly. While Kigathi is charged with arson, others face charges ranging from handling stolen property to breaking into a building and committing a felony. His lawyers insisted that merging the cases would be unjust and legally flawed.
Surveyor Kigathi with some of the lawyers outside the court
The judge, requesting more time to study the applications, postponed the hearing to May 5th, further prolonging a legal battle that continues to attract public and political attention in Kikuyu.
What’s raising eyebrows even more is the decision to categorize three of the suspects—who are all politicians—under the same charge as Kigathi, sparking concerns of targeted political persecution. Speaking to the press outside the courtroom, Surveyor Kigathi remained defiant and thanked Kikuyu residents for their continued support.
“All this is political, and I assure the people of Kikuyu that no level of intimidation will stop us. We will keep pushing till we liberate Kikuyu,” he said.
“When the right time comes, I will come to the people of Kikuyu to ask for their votes. But in the meantime, keep praying for me.”
Surveyor Kigathi and the lawyers addressing the press.
Kigathi, who previously vied for the Kikuyu MP seat under the KANU party, lost to Kimani Ichung’wah in the last general election, largely due to the UDA party wave in the region. Despite the loss, he has remained actively involved in community initiatives and continues to build strong grassroots following thanks to his hands-on leadership style.
As the political temperature in Kikuyu continues to rise, all eyes are now on the May 5th court session to see what direction the case will take—and whether this will mark a turning point for Surveyor Kigathi Kionywe’s political ambitions.
