BY STEPHEN KILONZI
Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mukunji has challenged Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire to record a formal statement and tell the police all she knows about the alleged mobilization of goons who vandalized and looted businesses during Wednesday’s Gen Z protests in Embu.
Reacting to remarks made by Governor Mbarire during a press briefing on Tuesday evening, in which she claimed to have intelligence that individuals were being mobilized from outside the county to cause chaos during the protests, Mukunji said such information should not be left to speculation but formally handed over to investigative agencies.
“Governor Cecily Mbarire said she was aware of goons being mobilized to destroy businesses. It’s good for her to record a statement and give more light into the matter,” Mukunji said, urging her to cooperate with investigators probing the violence.
Speaking after touring vandalized establishments in Embu town, the MP condemned the destruction, blaming criminal elements for hijacking what began as peaceful protests.
He said the looting of key establishments including Safaricom Care Centre, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices, NSSF, and Mathai Supermarket, was not a political act but outright lawlessness.
“This was pure criminality. We have protested before, including during the abduction of Billy Mwangi, and not even a stone was thrown. Those responsible must be brought to book,” he said.
Mukunji, whose name has been circulating on social media in connection with the chaos, denied any involvement in the unrest.
“I have seen people dragging my name into the chaos. Let it be clear—I had nothing to do with it,” he stated, clarifying that he was attending a burial in his constituency during the protests.
The MP emphasized that Embu residents have a history of peaceful demonstrations and cautioned against politicizing the matter.
He reiterated his call for security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the looting and destruction of property.
“This is not about politics. It’s about protecting livelihoods and ensuring law and order prevails in our town,” Mukunji added.
As police begin investigations, pressure continues to mount on both political leaders and law enforcement to take decisive action in identifying and prosecuting those behind the violence that disrupted lives and businesses in Embu.
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