The Unjust Arrest of Hon. Stephen Kigathi Kionywe: A Political Witch Hunt?

1. On June 25, 2024, protests against the Finance Bill erupted across the country, with demonstrations turning chaotic in various towns, including Kikuyu Constituency. Amidst the tension, the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP), Kimani Ichung’wah, found his office torched by unknown individuals. What followed was a shocking turn of events—Hon. Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, a former 2022 MP candidate for Kikuyu Constituency, was arrested and accused of orchestrating the attack, despite overwhelming evidence proving he was elsewhere that day.

Courtesy : The Standard Media

Where Was Kigathi on June 25?
A day before the demonstrations, on June 24, Kigathi was invited by the chairman of the Association of Real Estate Stakeholders (RESA), Mr. Kinyua Wairatu, to attend a press briefing regarding the association’s stance on the Finance Bill. As the chair of the lobby committee and the ambitious 5-Year Strategic Plan for RESA, he honored the invitation and arrived at the RESA offices in Ruiru by 9 a.m. on June 25. Alongside other officials, he participated in drafting and releasing the press briefing.

Kigathi at Resa’s presser with other officials 

Later that day, Kigathi, in the company of his personal assistant and a friend, left Ruiru for Limuru Ndeiya to oversee ongoing real estate projects under Hotstep, a company where he serves as director. It was during his time in Ndeiya that he started receiving multiple calls and social media alerts about the protests intensifying in Kikuyu Constituency.

Amidst the chaos, Kigathi was contacted by officials from Utafiti Primary School, where he serves as the Parents Association (PA) chairman. Given the uncertainty surrounding the protests, the school requested his presence to release students safely. He sent his personal assistant to pick up his wife so they could meet at the school. Upon arrival, he addressed the students and ensured they were safely dismissed before returning to Ndeiya.

Kigathi at utafiti primary school (pardon us for the quality of the image)

At no point on June 25 was Kigathi anywhere near Kikuyu Town, let alone the MP’s office, which had been set ablaze.

The Arrest: A Scripted Political Move?
On July 10, while in his office, Kigathi was informed of unexpected visitors—police officers who had come to arrest him. Despite his innocence, he remained composed, knowing well that his name was likely being dragged into the matter due to political rivalries.
Initially, he was taken to Kikuyu Police Station, but within minutes, the news of his arrest spread like wildfire. Family, friends, and supporters stormed the station, demanding his release. In response to the growing tension, authorities quickly transferred him to Kiambu Police Station under the pretext of “orders from above.”

Breaking news on KTN News after the arrest.

Despite the circumstances, Kigathi, a devoted born-again Christian, turned the police cell into a place of worship, holding prayer sessions with fellow inmates.

A Courtroom Spectacle Without Evidence

On July 11, Kigathi was presented before the Kiambu Court, where an overwhelming show of support awaited him. Eight lawyers, political leaders, family, and friends filled the courtroom, chanting anti-government slogans, particularly “Ruto must go!”

Kigathi addressing the media after a court mention at Kiambu law courts 

Charged with arson and destruction of property, Kigathi was released on cash bail, which was quickly raised by his supporters. Since then, he has appeared in court six times, yet no substantial evidence or witness has been presented against him. Each follow-up inquiry is met with the same response—the police are “still gathering evidence.”

Kigathi supporters outside Kiambu law courts 

This raises critical questions:

Why was he arrested without any concrete evidence?

Was this a politically motivated move to silence him?

Why him, out of all the possible suspects?

Was this instigated by the leader of the majority to stop his attachment with his voters since he has captured the hearts and minds of kikuyu people for his soberness?

Hope for Justice
Kigathi, who is the biggest threat to the incumbent having vied in 2022 and performed very well despite using the old party kanu against the big UDA party wave,remains optimistic that his legal battle will conclude by April 14th and 15th, the next scheduled court date. His supporters, too, are confident that truth will prevail. However, his case serves as a stark reminder of how political machinations can be weaponized against opponents.

As the days go by, one thing remains clear—Hon. Stephen Kigathi Kionywe is fighting not just for his freedom but for justice in a system where politics and power often overshadow the truth.