Summoned for Dissent? Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara Faces DCI Over Alleged Incitement

Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over remarks that allegedly incited public unrest, drawing sharp focus on political tensions brewing within President William Ruto’s administration.

According to a letter signed by Assistant Inspector General of Police George Lenny Kisaka, Kihara is required to appear before detectives at DCI headquarters on Monday, July 14, at 10:30 am. She is being investigated for an alleged offence of “undermining the authority of a public officer,” contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code.

“I have reasons to believe that you, Hon Jayne Njeri Wanjiku Kihara, MP Naivasha Constituency, are connected to the offence or have information that can assist me in my investigations,” the summons stated.

Failure to comply with the summons, the notice warns, will be treated as a criminal offence.

The development comes amid heightened friction between government loyalists and leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kihara, one of Gachagua’s outspoken supporters, claims the summons are part of a political crackdown targeting dissenters within the ruling coalition.

“The days of intimidating leaders using the criminal justice system are long gone. Summoning me will not break Kenyans’ resolve. This is not about me—it’s about the future of our country,” Kihara said in a defiant response.

She further accused President Ruto of adopting authoritarian tactics, comparing his administration’s conduct to regimes of the past.

“Mr. President, this is a tried and failed strategy. It won’t work on me or on Kenyans. These political persecutions will not stop us from calling out this oppressive regime,” she added.

Kihara believes the summons may be linked to a fiery speech she gave during the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Murang’a County on Friday, July 11. Kariuki, a protester shot by police during Gen Z-led demonstrations in Nairobi’s CBD on June 17, died after 13 days in the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital.

During the emotional funeral, Kihara condemned police brutality and criticised the state’s response to growing youth unrest.

Her criticism adds to mounting pressure on the National Police Service, especially after the earlier fatal shooting of a teacher and blogger inside Central Police Station. Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat is now facing growing calls to resign.

Meanwhile, Constable Klinzy Barasa, the officer accused of shooting Kariuki, has already been arraigned in court. He is undergoing a mental health assessment ahead of a murder plea.

Kihara also distanced herself from allegations of sponsoring violence or hiring goons during anti-government protests.

“I have not participated in, financed, or organised any acts of violence,” she maintained.

Her summons comes as Gachagua alleges that the DCI has been weaponised to suppress his allies, accusing governors close to Ruto of coordinating the crackdown.

As the political temperatures rise, Kihara’s case is likely to become a lightning rod in the wider struggle between Kenya Kwanza power blocs heading into the 2027 elections.

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Summoned for Dissent? Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara Faces DCI Over Alleged Incitement