Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of deploying 100 police officers to his rural home, calling the move unnecessary and a misuse of taxpayers’ money.
In a statement on Sunday, the lawmaker said the officers had been stationed at his gate from 6am as police pursued suspects linked to the violent disruption of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at Nembure Grounds in Embu on Saturday.
“Bwana Murkomen the 100 police officers at my gate in my rural home from 6 am in the morning is really unnecessary. I think there is a better way to use them!” Mukunji said.
He questioned why police had not simply summoned him to a station if they wanted to question him.
“A simple summon to any police station is enough to me. This is pure misuse of taxpayers dollars,” he said.
Mukunji said he was not at home when the officers arrived, adding that he had already left for church in Mwea.
“Hata nishatoka Niko kanisani Mwea,” he said.
“Kununua uoga nayo siwezi kabisa!” he added, saying he would not be intimidated.
The development comes after Mukunji denied allegations that he orchestrated the violence that disrupted the UDA meeting addressed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Nembure.
The MP said the accusations were intended to silence him over issues affecting residents, including alleged police brutality and the regulation of muguka farming.
“Security organs of the country are saying it was Mukunji. You had your meeting, you fought, tear gas was lobbed and then you say Mukunji is to blame. How powerful is Mukunji?” he said.
Mukunji also said he had been singled out because of his support for residents on politically sensitive issues.
“But I will tell you why they say it is me. It is because I stand with the people,” he said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched investigations into the Embu violence, which left one person dead, several police officers injured and six vehicles burnt.
Two suspects have already been arrested, while detectives are pursuing additional suspects.
The DCI has warned that political differences must not become “a licence for lawlessness”, saying those who attack others, destroy property or assault police officers will be pursued and prosecuted.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua had accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of using the police to harass Mukunji, pledging legal support for the MP if he is arrested.