The alleged abduction and subsequent discovery of Juja Member of Parliament, George Koimburi, in late May 2025, has ignited a significant political controversy in Kenya, placing President William Ruto's administration under intense scrutiny. Reports indicate that Koimburi was found in a distressed state in a coffee plantation, leading to accusations of torture and politically motivated persecution, while police authorities have presented a contrasting narrative suggesting the incident might have been staged.

According to sources close to the MP and his family, George Koimburi was abducted on Sunday, May 25, 2025. One account provided by a source who visited him at Karen Hospital suggests Koimburi claimed he was seized by approximately ten men he believed to be security agents, allegedly due to his criticism of President Ruto. Eyewitness statements, including one from Koimburi's wife, Ann Koimburi, detail that the MP was accosted by two plainclothes men disguised as churchgoers shortly after a Sunday service in Mugutha, Ruiru constituency. These men reportedly overpowered him and forced him into a Subaru Forester vehicle with altered license plates. Ann Koimburi stated she was injured while attempting to prevent the abduction. This incident reportedly occurred merely 48 hours after Koimburi had allegedly evaded a similar attempt to apprehend him by escaping on a motorcycle.

On Monday morning, May 26, 2025, Koimburi was found by civilians at the Jacaranda Coffee Plantation in Kibichoi, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County. He was described as being unconscious, writhing in pain, and still wearing the clothes from the previous day. After initial treatment at a local hospital, he was moved to Karen Hospital in Nairobi. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, after visiting Koimburi, stated that the MP had been poisoned with a chemical that paralysed his vocal cords, rendering him frail and barely able to move. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, serving as the family lawyer, echoed these concerns, claiming Koimburi was badly assaulted, poisoned, and had lost his ability to speak.

The abduction has drawn strong condemnation from prominent figures within Kenya's legal community. Former Chief Justice David Maraga labeled the incident "reprehensible" and questioned President Ruto’s earlier assurances that abductions would end, querying whether this implied state agency involvement or if the President had been untruthful. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo expressed deep concern over a "chilling resurgence of clandestine criminal operations," highlighting the assassination of former Kasipul MP Charles Were and questioning the overall safety of Kenyans, particularly elected leaders. The event has placed the Kenya Kwanza regime under a spotlight, with renewed public discourse about the safety of government critics, especially as President Ruto's previous statements about all abducted individuals being returned home were contrasted with ongoing cases of unresolved disappearances.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by several political leaders including Senators Paul Thangwa and John Methu, and Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, publicly addressed the media after visiting Koimburi. Gachagua alleged that the Juja MP was targeted by a special squad formed to persecute him (Gachagua) and his political allies. Citing unnamed security sector sources, Gachagua claimed this squad operated under Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat and reported to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, though he did not present direct evidence. Senator Maanzo further alleged that Koimburi's supposed transgression was "connecting the Honourable Rigathi Gachagua to a phone call and addressing the people at Juja."

Conversely, police authorities have categorically denied any involvement in Koimburi's alleged abduction and torture. Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga indicated that Koimburi was aware he was under investigation for several allegations, including a land fraud scheme. Authorities have also floated the possibility that the MP might have staged the entire incident and have initiated an official investigation to ascertain the facts. Police reports detailed an attempted arrest of Koimburi on Friday, May 23, as he was leaving a public event in Juja. He reportedly evaded this arrest by escaping on a motorcycle. His driver was subsequently apprehended and questioned at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, claiming Koimburi had instructed him to be dropped off after receiving a tip-off about the planned arrest. Investigative teams have since visited key locations, including the church, the alleged abduction site, the coffee plantation, and the hospitals where Koimburi received treatment, to gather evidence and witness statements.

George Koimburi has faced legal challenges in the past. He was previously charged with forgery of his academic credentials at the Kiambu Law Courts and was subsequently released on cash bail pending trial. His lawyer, Dan Maanzo, has stated that the DCI had not formally summoned Koimburi prior to the attempted apprehension on Friday and described the existing charges against the MP as "trumped up," with a court mention scheduled for the following Wednesday.

In response to the incident, Senator Maanzo announced the intention to file a lawsuit against Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and the Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, seeking compensation for Koimburi. The case remains complex, with starkly contrasting narratives from the MP's supporters and state authorities, and ongoing investigations are anticipated to provide further clarity on the perplexing events surrounding the Juja MP.