Why we believe MP Koimburi staged his abduction - DCI boss Amin

Detectives are pursuing two theories as the probable motive behind what they insist was a staged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi.

In a statement on Wednesday, National Police Service IG Douglas Kanja said they had arrested three individuals and recovered two vehicles used in the fake kidnapping.

Kanja said the three individuals, all close associates of the MP, had confessed to the role they played in the simulated abduction.

The Director General of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin said detectives believe Koimburi went to great lengths to stage his own abduction to avoid arrest over a land case.

"We have two theories: one, the Member of Parliament was very privy to the fact that we were looking for him for two offences. One is the matter of land that we investigated and the file was forwarded to the DPP, and the DPP had sanctioned, and the Member of Parliament knew very well that he was to be arrested and prosecuted.

"Besides that," Amin went on, "we are also reading an element of politics to try to cause fear and anxiety in the country. So we are reading a political motive in the entire drama."

Police gave a blow-by-blow account of how they believe Koimburi staged his abduction on May 25 after attending an event at Full Gospel Church, Mugutha in Kiambu county.

Police alleged that the MP tore his shirt with the help of a friend in an apparent effort to show that he had been tortured.

They said investigations have also revealed that he spent Sunday night in a hotel and faked his discovery in a coffee farm.

"It's quite inconceivable for a Hon Member of Parliament to go to that extent of stage managing his own abduction, creating a lot of tension and fear in the country," Amin said.

He added that police don't believe Koimburi, who remains admitted at the Karen Hospital, Nairobi, was injured and "perhaps he could as well be staying at the Karen Hospital enjoying his five-course meal".

Amin said police have been able to account for every one of his movements from when he attended the church service to when he was found in a coffee farm.

We have even identified the hotel and the room number that he slept...it's unfortunate that the investigating team was denied access to go and interview the Honourable Member of Parliament."