Embu town ground to a halt on the morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, as hundreds of enraged supporters of Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mukunji took to the streets in a massive protest, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
The demonstrations paralyzed business operations and crippled transport, plunging the town into chaos amid heightened political tensions.
Mukunji, who was arrested on Monday, July 7, along the Thika Superhighway at the Toll area in Juja Sub-County, was transferred early Tuesday to Kahawa Law Courts, where he is expected to face charges related to allegedly distributing money to protesters during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
He was reportedly apprehended alongside James Ikuwa Mbochi, who identified himself as a journalist from Inooro TV, and Stanley Mbuthia Wanjiru, a boda boda operator.
Outrage and Paralysis in Embu
News of Mukunji’s arrest spread rapidly across Embu County, sparking spontaneous protests in the heart of Embu town. By mid-morning, demonstrators had filled the streets, chanting slogans, waving placards, and lighting bonfires.
The growing crowds prompted a heavy police response, with officers resorting to teargas to disperse protesters as clashes escalated near Embu’s central business district.
Business and Education Disrupted
The unrest forced traders to close their shops, fearing looting. Streets emptied as public transport ground to a halt, with many commuters stranded or forced to return home. Several schools near the CBD sent children home for safety reasons.
Protesters barricaded key roads and burned tires, blocking traffic routes in and out of town. Police were overwhelmed at times, struggling to control the highly charged crowd.
Political Reactions and Legal Process
Leaders allied to MP Mukunji condemned his arrest, accusing the government of weaponizing law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices. They called for calm and restraint, even as they confirmed efforts to secure his release through legal channels were ongoing.
At Kahawa Law Courts, Mukunji’s supporters waited anxiously for news of the proceedings, while police maintained a perimeter to prevent potential disruptions.
The charges he is expected to face relate to alleged incitement and funding of unlawful assembly—specifically, distributing cash to demonstrators during the Saba Saba protests that rocked several towns on Monday.
Unrest Reflects Deepening Tensions
Mukunji’s arrest and the Embu protests reflect the deepening rift between the government and sections of the political class perceived to be sympathetic to anti-government movements. The incident underscores growing concerns over civil liberties, the right to protest, and the use of force in politically charged contexts.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Embu remained tense with sporadic confrontations between demonstrators and police reported near Majimbo and Blue Valley areas.
Whether the protests will intensify or de-escalate now hinges on the court’s decision and the government’s handling of the matter in the coming hours.
