Gatundu South member of parliament (MP) Njoroge has sparked controversy by calling for the detention of anti-corruption activist Kebaso Morara at a police station.
Speaking during an interview with Inooro FM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Njoroge stated that Morara should be arrested and detained at a police station within his constituency, Gatundu.
Njoroge suggested that Morara, who has been moved between different police stations after his arrest on Monday should be detained alongside other offenders in the country.
“Police officers have been moving Morara from one police station to another. He should be kept in a cell with street children(chokoras) because If he gets access to a microphone, he will speak about you even if he doesn’t know you thinking he’s above the law,” Njoroge stated.
He went on to praise the officers involved in Morara’s arrest, saying, “God bless the officers who arrested him. I hope they continue moving him so he understands that this country has laws.”
Morara, a well-known anti-corruption activist was arrested on Monday, an action that many see as an attempt to silence him.
His detention sparked protests, with demonstrators gathering outside Nairobi Regional Police Headquarters on Tuesday October 1, 2024 to demand his release.
A video shared online showed Morara being forcibly placed into a Subaru Forester before being driven away, an incident that fueled more public outrage.
Morara had earned recognition for exposing the misuse of public funds. His bold activism garnered widespread support, but it has also made him a target of government surveillance, which intensified in recent months.
Njoroge further criticized demonstrators, warning that not all of them are always prepared for the consequences.
“Everyone dressed for the demonstration is ready for what’s coming, there is no innocent person that is kidnapped by the police,” he remarked, hinting at tougher actions by the authorities.
His comments triggered widespread anger online, with many accusing Njoroge of supporting intimidation tactics and police brutality.
Zachary Oguda, the brother of activist Gabriel Oguda, reacted sharply, saying, “If we are serious about changing this country, we need to start recalling MPs like him.”
The controversy comes amid growing allegations of police mistreatment following Morara’s arrest.
In a video shared online, Joshua Okayo, a student leader at the Kenya School of Law, accused the police of brutality, describing how some activists were beaten, forced to lie on their stomachs, and made to walk on their knees.
Okayo also claimed that one activist was hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital due to injuries sustained while in custody.
