Nakuru’s Molo Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joseph Ngware Ng’ang’a was this afternoon arrested shortly after attending the burial of Dennis Njuguna at Ndenderu in Turi Ward.
Njuguna, a student at Njenga Karume Secondary School, was allegedly killed by police during the nationwide demonstrations to commemorate those killed in the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
His burial was marked by emotional speeches condemning police brutality with calls for accountability.
Ngware, visibly emotional, condemned the killing of protesters and accused security forces of using excessive force while managing peaceful demonstrations.
“We cannot remain silent while our youth are being murdered in cold blood. This must stop,” he said.
Ngware, who is also eyeing the Molo parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections, had at the burial expressed fears of being targeted due to his vocal stance against extrajudicial killings.
According to eyewitnesses, the MCA’s vehicle was blocked by police at Landi Junction near Turi along the Elburgon-Molo highway.
He was driven to the regional Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Nakuru Town for interrogation.
Sources indicate that his arrest is linked to his alleged involvement in the June 25 protests, though police have yet to issue an official statement.
Ngware’s arrest has sparked reactions from local leaders and political circles, with some accusing the government of intimidation.
His supporters claim the arrest is politically motivated, given his ambitions to unseat current Molo MP Kuria Kimani in the next general election.
Last week at the National Assembly, MP Kimani accused some local leaders of mobilizing youths to burn down his house and other assets situated in Molo Ward.
Kuria painfully recounted how he lost 10,000 chicken, three vehicles and house to arsonists during the 2024 Gen Z demos.
Human rights groups have called for MCA Ngware’s immediate release, demanding due process if he is to face any charges.
As of the time of publishing this article, Ngware remained in police custody, with no formal charges announced.
He is expected to be arraigned at the Nakuru Law Courts tomorrow.