Embu protests enter second day over MP Gitonga Mukunji’s detention
Protesters demanding the release of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji as they protest in Embu town, on July 8, 2025.
Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday took to the streets of Embu town demanding the release of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji.
Chaos erupted as demonstrators lit bonfires and hurled stones at buildings prompting the closure of businesses for the second consecutive day.
As the protests intensified, riot police were deployed to disperse the crowds but were overpowered and forced to call for reinforcements.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji
Tension escalated as the protesters barricaded all major roads with rocks and fires, paralysing transport in the area.
MP Mukunji was arrested on Monday by detectives and detained at Kibii Police Station in Juja for allegedly inciting residents to violence. His arrest came amid nationwide Saba Saba protests which also affected his home county of Embu.
According to his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, the MP was picked up in the afternoon by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Scenes during the protests in Embu.
He was later transferred to an undisclosed location even as his supporters demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
Mr Njiru said that when he visited Kibii Police Station, he was informed that the MP had been released, which he claimed was untrue.
“The occurrence book at Kibii Police Station only recorded his entry but there is no indication of his release.The OCS confirmed that he only booked him for the sole purpose of holding him. Meanwhile, the MP’s vehicle remains detained at the station,” he said.
The lawyer who was accompanied by Mr Mukunji’s wife further revealed that a senior police officer informed them the MP was likely to be charged with incitement to violence.
Protestors barricade the main road in Embu.
Mr Njiru accused the police of withholding critical information from the MP’s spouse and legal team. He called on the DCI to either present Mr Mukunji in court or release him if no charges are forthcoming.
By Tuesday noon, the MP’s whereabouts remained unknown even though there were reports that he was scheduled to appear in court.