Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, has claimed that he has been arrested by officers from Kasarani Police Station. In a statement dated July 8, the lawyer said the arrest followed a breakdown of his vehicle on the Thika Highway. Ndegwa, a critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, sent out the message at 10 PM.
Police from the Kasarani Police Station arrested the former deputy president’s lawyer on obstruction charges.
He, however, noted that despite the arrest, the police were yet to book him.
“I have been arrested by the Kasarani police. I am at Kasarani station. I am being accused of obstruction after my vehicle broke down on the Thika Highway. Police are yet to book me,” the statement from the lawyer read.
The alert by Ndgewa drew mixed reactions, with some Kenyans condemning the weaponization of the police.
According to Paul Neko, the arrest of the counsel Paul Ndegwa was targeted by the administration under President William Ruto.
In addition, Paul emphasized that the arrest had no legal basis; rather, it was politically motivated, noting that the cell where the lawyer was being held was filled with chants of “Ruto Must Go,”.
“I condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the targeted arrest of counsel Ndegwa Njiru. I hope William Ruto is satisfied that Ndegwa is spending the night at Kasarani Police Station. Ironically, locking him up may achieve the opposite of what was intended. The entire cell is now chanting “Ruto Must Go,” and by the time the inmates are released, you may well have created a new group of WANTAM ambassadors. Sometimes, repression amplifies the very message it seeks to silence,” said Paul Oneko on X.
Further, Paul explained that the arrest of Ndegwa is only gaining the popularity and support from the members of the public who are not in support of the president’s regime.
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Public Support of Ndegwa Njiru’s Arrest
Some expressed disagreement with the arrest of the advocate, citing that a vehicle breakdown on the highway was not his fault and the police had no basis for arresting him for obstruction.
Others have publicly supported the arrest, arguing that the law applies to everyone regardless of the status.
Ndegwa has also faced online backlash, with some individuals calling him out for using his social media platform to seek public sympathy instead of abiding by the law and following the legal procedure.
With the debate between the law and the rights of an arrested person, some stated that the lawyer is now calling out the law since he is the one facing the effects.
Fred Omondi explained that arresting road users for obstructing them was within the power of the arresting police.
Despite Fred’s argument, he noted that the legal process should be observed, citing his role as a lawyer; Ndegwa Njiru is aware of the arrest process.
In support of Fred Omondi’s argument, Peter Kariuki added that, having committed an offense, the lawyer should be brought before the court to defend himself instead of venting on social media.
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Ruto’s Regime Under Criticism
The arrest of Rigathi Gachagua’s lawyer has brought criticism of the regime of President William Ruto.
Citizens have pointed out that the administration is allegedly harming individuals who have openly opposed the administration.
Further, some members have called out the police for using excessive power when dealing with the public who are fighting for their rights, adding that following the act of torture, Ruto’s government might likely lose votes in 2027.
In addition, some citizens have called for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to consistently defend the rights of the public and the Constitution of Kenya.
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