Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji will not be arrested over the Nembure Grounds violence for now after the High Court in Embu granted him Sh1 million anticipatory bail. Justice Magare Dennis Kizito Ngwono issued the orders on September 15, 2026, after declaring Mukunji’s application urgent in a case filed against the Inspector General of Police.
The court directed Mukunji to present himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi on September 21 as part of the conditions attached to his release. He will also be required to report to the DCI on any Monday designated by the investigators whenever his attendance is required.
The orders do not, however, stop the police from conducting investigations or taking further legal action against the MP. The judge directed that Mukunji’s application be served on the respondents by September 16, with their responses expected in court by September 23.
Mukunji has until September 17 to either execute the Sh1 million bond or deposit the equivalent amount as cash bail. Failure to meet the deadline will automatically render the orders ineffective. The matter is scheduled to return before the Embu trial court on September 29 for directions.
Justice Ngwono further warned that anyone who violates the orders could face penal consequences. The application followed efforts by Mukunji’s lawyers to obtain clarity from the police over their client’s alleged involvement in the Nembure incident.
Ndegwa and Ndegwa Associates wrote to the Inspector General of Police and the DCI on September 15, calling for what they described as a fair and impartial investigation. The lawyers said Mukunji had learnt through remarks attributed to Government Spokesperson Charles Owino and broadcast on Citizen Television that investigators were reportedly seeking him in connection with the violence.
They questioned the apparent change in the police position, noting that earlier communication had suggested that the MP was not a person under investigation. According to the lawyers, the conflicting messages had created uncertainty over whether Mukunji was being treated as a suspect.
The dispute stems from violence that erupted at Nembure Grounds in Embu County on September 12 during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) delegates’ meeting. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki presided over the gathering, which was also attended by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and several other political leaders.
The High Court’s orders allow Mukunji to remain out of custody while the police proceed with their investigations, subject to his compliance with the reporting and bail conditions imposed by the court.
