‘He Lacked the Brain of the Scriptwriter!’ – Moses Kuria Roasts Koimburi Over Self-Abduction Drama
Nairobi, Kenya – May 29, 2025 — Senior Economic Advisor to President William Ruto and former Trade Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria, has weighed in on the unfolding controversy surrounding Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi’s alleged self-abduction. In a cryptic but pointed message posted on social media on Wednesday, Kuria linked the saga to political theatrics reminiscent of Kenya’s contentious 2021 Juja by-election.
Koimburi, who first rose to national prominence under Kuria’s People’s Empowerment Party (PEP), is currently at the centre of a national debate after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) publicly accused him of staging his own kidnapping. The incident has sparked outrage, confusion, and speculation across political circles, raising questions about the use of alleged security incidents as tools of political manoeuvring.
The Core Incident: A Self-Staged Abduction?
On Tuesday, May 27, Juja MP George Koimburi was reported missing under circumstances initially described as suspicious. By the next morning, Koimburi was discovered at a coffee farm in Kiambu County, claiming he had been abducted. However, investigations led by DCI Director Mohamed Amin quickly cast doubt on the narrative.
According to Amin, evidence collected by law enforcement suggests Koimburi deliberately orchestrated his disappearance. Surveillance footage and mobile phone records allegedly show the MP staying in a hotel the night before, directly contradicting his abduction claims. Amin further stated that Koimburi’s refusal to cooperate with investigators intensified suspicions that the saga was politically motivated.
“This type of conduct is not only irresponsible but dangerous,” Amin remarked during a press briefing. “It trivialises real security threats and misuses national security resources. It appears Mr. Koimburi was attempting to dramatise his circumstances for political effect.”
Kuria’s Cryptic Commentary: Drawing Parallels with 2021
Moses Kuria responded to the controversy with a layered tweet, referencing the 2021 Juja by-election in which Koimburi won the parliamentary seat under the PEP banner. At the time, the race had been highly contested, with Kuria positioned against then-President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ruling Jubilee Party.
“During the May 2021 Juja by-election, my party candidate won the seat with 55% of the vote against the Jubilee candidate, who got 25%,” Kuria wrote. “It was a home derby between me and my friend President Uhuru Kenyatta. My candidate faced all obstacles from a very powerful and determined regime, including arrests, etc. We had to use all tactics to remain on the ballot and win.”
Kuria suggested that Koimburi may have attempted to replicate those “tactics” in the current political environment but lacked the necessary strategic finesse. In a tone laced with sarcasm, Kuria likened the recent incident to amateurish political theatre.
“This week I have seen my candidate try the same tactics. Only he was trying to do so without the brain of the original scriptwriter,” Kuria quipped. “I should have warned him, ‘Do not try this at home.’ But then his District Commissioners Party leader was an active star of the UON Travelling Theatre in the 80s.”
The reference to the “District Commissioners Party” was widely interpreted as a jibe directed at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose political protégé Koimburi is believed to be. Kuria’s remarks hinted at internal tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, exposing possible rifts among key allies.
Political Context and Background
Koimburi’s current predicament is not his first brush with controversy. Since assuming office in 2021, he has been a vocal yet polarising figure in Kiambu politics. His initial election under Kuria’s PEP was seen as a strategic victory against Jubilee, marking a pivotal moment in the broader political shift that eventually saw Ruto rise to power in 2022.
However, after aligning himself more closely with Deputy President Gachagua and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Koimburi has faced increasing scrutiny. Political analysts suggest that the MP may have been attempting to revive his waning influence by manufacturing a dramatic episode to garner sympathy and media attention.
“Moses Kuria’s response reflects deeper political calculations,” noted political analyst Dr. Roselyn Wambui. “He’s reminding the public of his role in Koimburi’s initial rise and subtly distancing himself from what he sees as poorly executed political drama.”
Implications for Security and Governance
The DCI’s swift and firm response has reignited concerns over the misuse of security narratives for political ends. In an era where trust in law enforcement and the government is still fragile, such incidents can severely undermine public confidence.
“Falsifying abductions erodes credibility and dilutes the urgency of real security threats,” said security expert James Mwangi of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). “It’s a dangerous precedent that could make it harder for actual victims to be taken seriously.”
The case has also raised legal questions about potential charges against Koimburi. Although the DCI has not confirmed whether formal charges will be pressed, legal experts indicate that fabricating a crime can attract serious penalties under Kenyan law, including imprisonment and fines.
Reactions from the Political Sphere
While Moses Kuria’s comments have garnered widespread attention, other leaders have remained conspicuously silent. The Office of the Deputy President declined to comment on the incident or Kuria’s allegations, further fuelling speculation about factional rivalries within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
On social media, Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions, with some defending Koimburi and others demanding accountability.
“Regardless of political alignment, this is unacceptable,” wrote Twitter user @KenyaTruthWatch. “We deserve better from our elected leaders.”
Meanwhile, a petition circulating online demanding Koimburi’s resignation has reportedly garnered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours, suggesting that public patience may be wearing thin.
What Comes Next?
The DCI has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that Koimburi may be summoned again for further questioning. The outcome could have broader consequences, potentially triggering internal reviews within the UDA and affecting future electoral dynamics in Kiambu and beyond.
For Moses Kuria, the incident may serve as a reaffirmation of his earlier political acumen. However, it also underscores growing ideological divisions within the ruling alliance — divisions that may become more pronounced as Kenya approaches its next general election in 2027.
In the short term, observers expect a media storm, continued political commentary, and likely, further action from law enforcement. Whether Koimburi will face legal repercussions or escape with only political embarrassment remains to be seen.
The saga of George Koimburi’s alleged self-abduction has morphed into a national spectacle, blending elements of political strategy, security sensitivity, and factional drama. With senior officials like Moses Kuria weighing in, the incident has moved beyond mere scandal to become a case study in Kenya’s evolving political playbook.
As investigations continue and stakeholders assess the fallout, one thing remains clear: in Kenyan politics, theatrics may be inevitable, but accountability is non-negotiable.
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‘He Lacked the Brain of the Scriptwriter!’ – Moses Kuria Roasts Koimburi Over Self-Abduction Drama