By Kelly Were,
Nairobi, Kenya – The political storm surrounding Juja MP George Koimburi’s alleged abduction continues to intensify as Kanyenyaini Ward MCA Grace Nduta was formally arraigned alongside three other suspects, accused of orchestrating the controversial disappearance on May 25.
Grace Nduta popularly known as ‘City’, the once-celebrated grassroots mobilizer and rising political star has been arrested and detained alongside three others as detectives dig into what they believe was a carefully orchestrated plot to obstruct justice and manipulate public sentiment.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), what began as a supposed kidnapping has unraveled into what they describe as a meticulously coordinated ruse aimed at avoiding arrest in a high-stakes land fraud case.
It all began on May 25, 2025, when MP George Koimburi was reported missing under mysterious circumstances. The narrative quickly spiraled, raising fears of political persecution or a security threat.
However, the plot took an unexpected turn when surveillance footage and mobile data allegedly revealed that Koimburi was not abducted at all—but was spending the night at Ellis Bar and Restaurant in Gatundu South, in the company of none other than MCA Grace Nduta.
The report directly contradicts earlier narratives from Koimburi’s allies, who alleged he was abducted by unidentified operatives, tortured, and later dumped unconscious in a coffee plantation in Juja.
Despite public claims that she was attending church services and political rallies in Kangema on that day, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) flatly contradicted Nduta’s alibi, releasing a statement that painted a damning picture of deception:
“Despite her claims… evidence clearly shows that she was at Ellis Bar and Restaurant in Kiganjo, Gatundu South, with Hon. George Koimburi the entire night.”
On May 29, Nduta was arrested at a restaurant in Kandara, triggering confusion and panic among her family, supporters, and political colleagues—many of whom initially feared she had been abducted herself.
Joseph Kamau, Nduta’s driver, offered chilling details of the incident, saying that shortly after dropping her off, he noticed a suspicious car with rolled-down windows and men watching him closely.
“Nilipiga simu nikamwambia ajiangalie, lakini haikuingia. Kurudi nyuma nikakuta ameenda. Hotel walisema alichukuliwa na wanaume watatu.”
His account added another layer of complexity—suggesting Nduta may have been lured into a trap by a call from an unknown man before being swiftly apprehended. He also
As Nduta was paraded in court and the prosecution sought 14 days to hold her, outrage bubbled over in Murang’a. Friends, family, and fellow MCAs called her arrest politically motivated, pointing to her close ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had recently been hosted by Nduta in her ward.
“Her only crime is being an ally of Gachagua and a friend of Koimburi. That’s not illegal,” said Kariara MCA Gichubi Mbatia.
“Tunashuku amekamatwa kwa sababu alileta Rigathi Gachagua Murang’a. Wakati wa siasa bado,” added her personal assistant Wambugu Gacunji.
The latest claims bolster police allegations that the incident was a stage-managed escape designed to sidestep prosecution and manipulate public perception.
At today’s arraignment, the prosecution requested that MCA Nduta be detained for 14 days, while seeking a 15-day remand for the three co-accused, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
Defense attorneys strongly opposed the application, arguing that:
- The suspects pose no flight risk
- There’s no credible threat of evidence tampering
- The DCI had not demonstrated compelling grounds for pretrial detention
They insisted the accused should be released on reasonable bail terms, maintaining their clients’ continued freedom would not obstruct the course of justice.
Police say more arrests are possible as they continue tracing Koimburi’s movements and communications during the 48-hour window when he was allegedly off the radar.
