Wiper nominated MCA Albanus Wambua addressing the media after recording his statement at DCI headquarters Kiambu. He is flanked by other leaders among them former KMTC Chair Prof.Philip Kaloki. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Two Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Makueni and a senior County Executive recorded statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi on Thursday, following allegations of organizing and participating in the recent nationwide Gen Z protests.
Kilili/Kalamba MCA and Wiper Party Chairperson Francis Mutuku, popularly known as Musso, Wiper-nominated MCA Albanus Wambua alias Clr Kana, and Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Gender and Sports, Sebastian Kyoni, presented themselves at the DCI headquarters amid mounting political pressure.
But moments after recording their statements, the leaders came out guns blazing, accusing the State of political witch-hunt and intimidation in a bid to silence dissenting voices.
“President William Ruto has only one and a half years to go,” said MCA Albanus Wambua, “He should not respond to Kenyans with anger. Instead, he should start packing because come 2027, Kalonzo Musyoka will be sending him home. Kenyans want a president who will not kill their children, will not overtax them, and one who is not a dictator.”
Wambua also lashed out at the police for allegedly being used to advance political interests.
“I urge the police force – the County Commanders, the CCIOs, the OCSs – not to be misused for political expeditions. They should work independently and restore public confidence in the service,” he said.
On his part, MCA Francis Mutuku maintained his innocence and challenged the State to take him to court if there is any evidence linking him to the destruction of property during the protests.
“If they are very sure that I was involved in the demonstrations, I am more than willing to allow the law to take its course. But I want to make it clear—I did not destroy any property or torch any vehicles. Let them charge me in court. The Constitution is very clear: no one should be arrested without a valid reason,” said Mutuku.
The summons have sparked condemnation from other leaders in the region, who accused the government of targeting individuals based on their political affiliation and ethnic background.
Prof. Philip Kaloki, former KMTC Chairperson and 2022 Makueni gubernatorial aspirant, dismissed claims that the demonstrations were a product of Wiper politics or limited to the Ukambani region.
“These demonstrations are not a creation of the Wiper party or the Kamba community. They are happening all over Kenya because people are frustrated with the current leadership. Victimizing leaders from one party or region solves nothing,” Kaloki said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kibwezi East MP aspirant Willy Malile invoked the Constitution to defend the right to protest.
“Article 37 of our Constitution provides for picketing. In case the DCI has forgotten, picketing is demonstrations — maandamano. So if a peaceful protest is called today, we will join. It is lawful,” he stated. “We fully support those who demonstrated without destroying property, hurting anyone, or stealing. Kenyans just want the government to change its ways.”
The Gen Z-led protests, which erupted across the country, have rattled the political establishment, with growing concern over the government’s response and increasing pressure to address youth grievances. The DCI’s move to summon political leaders has now opened a new front in the ongoing debate over constitutional freedoms and democratic space in Kenya.
