Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi found himself in a dramatic confrontation with Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on Thursday, February 20, as he narrowly escaped arrest outside the Kiambu Law Courts. In videos widely circulated on social media, Koimburi was seen addressing the press alongside his legal team before chaos ensued. Detectives reportedly attempted to apprehend him, leading to a commotion. The MP bolted from the scene, jumping onto a motorbike to evade capture.
Lawyer Alleges Abduction Attempt
Speaking on the incident, Koimburi’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, claimed that his client had narrowly escaped what he termed as an attempted abduction. “My client, Hon. Koimburi, has narrowly escaped abduction just outside the Kiambu Law Courts,” Njiru stated.
Koimburi had been in court for a case involving contempt of court charges. The MP had requested to skip entering a plea, but the court dismissed the request, compelling him to proceed with the legal process.
Anticipatory Bail Granted
Following the dramatic escape, the Kiambu High Court granted Koimburi anticipatory bail to protect him from further arrests. “Kiambu High Court grants anticipatory bail to Hon. Koimburi,” Njiru later confirmed on social media.
Legal Troubles Intensify
The MP’s legal woes stem from multiple allegations, including a contentious claim that the government misused billions in an unsuccessful bid to secure Raila Odinga’s position as the African Union Commission chairperson.
Earlier in the week, Koimburi was arrested and arraigned in court on charges of forging academic certificates, an accusation dating back nearly three decades. According to the prosecution, he allegedly falsified a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) document in 1994 to gain admission into higher learning institutions.
Koimburi pleaded not guilty to the six charges and was released on a Ksh200,000 bond.
Timing of Charges Raises Questions
The timing of the charges has sparked debate, with critics questioning how Koimburi’s academic credentials passed vetting by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) before he contested and won the Juja parliamentary seat in 2021. Despite the allegations, he served for nearly three years without any scrutiny.
What’s Next for the MP?
Koimburi’s sudden arrest and ongoing legal battles have left many speculating about potential political motivations. As investigations continue, the outspoken legislator remains under the spotlight, facing mounting legal and political challenges.
