Aasai

Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has come forward with a detailed account of what she described as a humiliating and politically orchestrated arrest that saw her spend a night in a police cell. Speaking during an interview on K24 TV, Kihara painted a grim picture of her experience, saying it was her first-ever encounter with life behind bars. She was arrested under unclear circumstances at her Naivasha home, an operation she claims was executed without justification or due process.

The legislator revealed that she was thrown into a solitary police cell with no seat, forced to spend the entire night standing or sitting on the cold floor. Despite the hardship, Kihara attempted to lighten the mood during the interview, sarcastically referring to herself as "the only criminal in that cell.” However, beneath the humor, she expressed pain and frustration, particularly over what she termed as deliberate isolation and psychological intimidation.

While Kihara did not divulge full details surrounding the cause of her arrest, she was categorical in asserting that it was politically driven. According to her, the incident was not random, but a targeted move aimed at silencing her due to her outspoken political views. “There was no seat. I was the only woman in that cell, and I strongly believe this was a politically motivated act,” she stated, adding that the withdrawal of her security prior to the arrest further supports her suspicion.

When questioned on whether she regrets backing the current administration during the 2022 General Election, Kihara expressed disappointment but stopped short of disowning her past political alliances. She noted that at the time, she had to choose between two leading presidential contenders, and made what she believed was the best decision. However, she now feels that the expectations she had were not met, and instead, she has become a casualty of political betrayal.

“I don’t regret supporting the government because I made a choice between two options, but I’m deeply disappointed. I feel let down, especially by how things have turned out for me and many others who believed in this leadership,” she said.

Kihara’s emotional account has stirred debate across the political landscape, with critics and supporters weighing in on the state of political freedoms and democracy in Kenya. Her story adds to a growing list of politicians and activists who allege that the current regime is using state agencies to clamp down on dissent and muzzle independent voices.

Civil society groups have called for transparency regarding the arrest, with some urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the circumstances of her detention. Meanwhile, political observers say the incident could signify deepening rifts within the ruling coalition, as internal critics face increased hostility.

As Kihara awaits further clarification on the legal reasons behind her arrest, she remains defiant, vowing not to be silenced. “I may have spent a night in that cell, but I will not bow to fear or intimidation,” she concluded, reinforcing her stance against what she described as political harassment.