By Kelly Were,
All four respondents—Peter Kiratu (Juja CDF Chairman), David Macharia Gatana, Cyrus Kieu Muhia, and Kanyenyaini MCA Grace Nduta—linked to the alleged self-abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi have been released from custody under stringent bail and bond conditions.
This comes after a court ruling found no compelling reason to continue holding the suspects, despite the gravity of the allegations.
Each respondent must post a bond of Ksh 1,000,000 with a surety of equal value or opt for a cash bail of Ksh 300,000, accompanied by two contact persons to stand in as guarantors.
They are required to report to the investigating officer weekly or as otherwise summoned.
Travel beyond the court’s jurisdiction is strictly prohibited without express judicial permission.
Notably, the court ruled that MCA Grace Nduta’s vehicle—allegedly used in the suspected conspiracy—remain impounded at Capital Hill Police Station.
Her application for the vehicle’s release was denied. Any breach of these conditions will result in immediate cancellation of bail and re-arrest.
The court emphasized that it weighed all relevant factors, including public interest and the stage of the investigation, before deciding not to continue detaining the accused.
The case that has shocked the public and stirred political waters began on May 25, 2025, when Hon. Koimburi was reportedly abducted outside a church in Mugutha.
Witnesses claimed he was forcibly taken into a silver Subaru Forester, registration KDQ 803B—allegedly linked to Cyrus Kieu Muhia.
By the next day, viral videos showed Koimburi unconscious in a coffee plantation. He was taken to Plainsview Hospital and later transferred to Karen Hospital in critical condition.
However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now alleges that the abduction was staged.
Surveillance footage and mobile data place the MP in a hotel with MCA Nduta on the night he was supposedly missing.
The suspects were formally booked on May 28, 2025. The DCI linked the group to a broader criminal conspiracy involving land fraud.
Charges under consideration include kidnapping, attempted murder, forgery, obtaining title by false pretence, and conspiracy to defraud.
Inspector-General Douglas Kanja labeled the abduction claim a political stunt aimed at avoiding arrest over pending land fraud allegations.
The court is also reviewing a DCI file relating to parcel RUIRU EAST/JUJA BLOCK2/76796, citing prior investigations dating back to 2020.
The case has sparked nationwide debate, especially given Koimburi’s alliance with the opposition-aligned Democracy for Citizens Party.
The DCI argues that the event threatens national stability, calling it a grave national security concern.
With the suspects now out on bail and the investigation ongoing, more arrests are expected. Meanwhile, Hon. Koimburi remains hospitalized, and authorities have yet to formally record his statement.
The court has ordered continued forensic analysis of digital devices, further review of CCTV footage, and collection of medical records to ascertain the full scope of the alleged deception.
