Didmus Barasa Shares Details of a Phone Call From Juja MP George Koimburi Before he Went Missing
Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi is under official investigation for alleged involvement in a land fraud case, following a puzzling incident in which he was reported missing on May 25 but later resurfaced under suspicious circumstances. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa disclosed details of a cryptic phone call with Koimburi before his disappearance, and police now allege that the lawmaker faked his abduction in an attempt to evade arrest.
In a public statement, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa revealed that Juja MP George Koimburi contacted him through the encrypted Signal app just days before his reported disappearance. According to Barasa, Koimburi expressed concern that he was being pursued by police due to a land dispute and sought advice.
“A few days ago, MP Koimburi called me via the Signal call app, saying the police were after him over a land case. I advised him to switch off his phone and lie low for five days,” Barasa said.
Barasa expressed shock at the turn of events, criticizing the unfolding drama surrounding Koimburi’s disappearance and reappearance.
“I was shocked to later hear he had staged his abduction and was ‘found’ in a coffee plantation. Police now say the spot where he claimed to have slept showed no disturbance, he was likely there for just five minutes,” Barasa added, likening the event to a scene from a play.
“Looks like a scene straight out of Shackles of War by Cleophas Malala. Let’s stop turning serious issues into cheap drama.”
Koimburi was reported missing on Sunday, May 25, after attending a church service. Initial reports indicated that he had been abducted by unknown individuals and taken to an undisclosed location. However, less than 24 hours later, on the morning of Monday, May 26, he was found at Jacaranda Coffee Plantation, reportedly owned by businessman and former presidential aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi. The plantation is located in the Kibichoi area within the Ruirua Coffee Farm in Kiambu County.
Following his reappearance, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement outlining Koimburi’s ongoing legal troubles, asserting that he is a suspect in a land fraud investigation. Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the MP had been under surveillance and was fully aware of the impending legal action.
“The MP has been under investigation over a land matter and consent to prosecute was issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP),” said Nyaga.
Contrary to allegations of abduction voiced by Koimburi’s allies, police maintain that the MP was actively avoiding arrest. According to the NPS, Koimburi fled on a motorcycle with his private security team and switched off his phone, making it appear as though he had been kidnapped.
The event has triggered political reactions, with opposition leaders condemning what they describe as an atmosphere of fear and state intimidation. On Tuesday, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of orchestrating extrajudicial tactics to silence dissent and settle political scores.
“We are seeing the rise of an abduction squad made up of rogue officers operating under the cover of the state. This administration must be held accountable,” said Musyoka during a press briefing.
These accusations have been forcefully denied by government officials, who insist that all law enforcement activities are being carried out within the boundaries of the law. The NPS emphasized that no officers were involved in any illegal detention or abduction and called for restraint in spreading unverified information.
“Any claims of abduction are not only misleading but serve to distract from the legal process already in motion. We urge the public and political leaders to allow investigations to proceed,” added Nyaga.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to a growing number of reported disappearances and security-related incidents involving politicians and activists. Civil society organizations have long expressed concern about the shrinking democratic space and the use of state mechanisms for political ends.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into Koimburi’s case, emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld regardless of political affiliation.
“The events surrounding MP Koimburi raise serious questions about accountability and the role of law enforcement. Whether this was a staged event or a legitimate security concern, it must be fully investigated,” said a KNCHR spokesperson.
Legal experts suggest that if it is proven that Koimburi faked his own abduction to avoid prosecution, he could face additional charges for obstruction of justice and wasting public resources.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has confirmed receipt of investigative files related to the land fraud case and is currently reviewing the evidence before proceeding with formal charges.
“We are examining all aspects of the case, including the events surrounding the MP’s disappearance. A decision on prosecution will be made based on the law and the available facts,” a senior ODPP official told reporters.
Meanwhile, George Koimburi has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the allegations or his mysterious disappearance. His aides have remained tight-lipped, referring all questions to his legal counsel.
Political analysts warn that this incident, if not resolved transparently, could deepen mistrust between citizens and security institutions and further polarize the political climate ahead of the next election cycle.
“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where legal issues are being dramatized and politicized. It is critical for both the government and opposition to allow the legal process to run its course,” said Dr. Esther Mwangi, a political science lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
As investigations into George Koimburi’s alleged land fraud and purported staged abduction continue, the public awaits further clarity on the matter. The incident has sparked debate about law enforcement transparency, political accountability, and the role of elected officials in upholding the rule of law. Authorities have pledged a full and impartial investigation, but the controversy remains a significant flashpoint in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Updates are expected from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service in the coming days as more evidence is reviewed. The implications for Koimburi, both legally and politically, could be far-reaching depending on the outcome of these proceedings.
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Didmus Barasa Shares Details of a Phone Call From Juja MP George Koimburi Before he Went Missing