Juja MP Koimburi charged with cybercrime offenses over AUC remarks

Police are seeking to charge Juja MP George Koimburi with two counts under the Computer and Cybercrimes Act, following remarks he made over Kenya’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) race.

Koimburi’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, said on Tuesday that authorities argue his statements violate Section 22 of the Computer and Cybercrimes Act.

A charge sheet seen by The Standard reveals that Chief Inspector of Police Maurice Amwayi has accused Koimburi of one count of false publication and one count of offensive conduct.

The charge sheet cites Koimburi’s remarks made on February 16, 2025, at PCEA Juja Farm Parish: “Tuko na hofu katika Jamhuri ya Kenya sababu ya kuona pesa za umma zikitumika vibaya kwenda kuhonga watu ndio waweze kumchagua Raila Odinga, ni aibu kubwa sana amabayo tumeina siku ya jana,” which translates loosely to: “We are worried as a country when taxpayers’ funds are misused to boost Raila Odinga’s election. It’s a huge embarrassment.”

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Authorities argue that the statements were “knowingly false and intended to incite unrest, amounting to incitement against the government of Kenya.”

Njiru added that Koimburi has been denied bail and is currently being held at Kamkunji Police Station.

“They have refused to grant him bail, but we are exploring other facilities to secure his freedom,” Njiru said.

Earlier, we reported that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested Koimburi.

The MP was apprehended Tuesday morning outside his home.

He was taken to DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road for questioning.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa confirmed the arrest but said the reason remains unclear.

Sources said the MP was taken into custody by police officers in a Subaru and a Prado.