Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi was on Tuesday arrested over an alleged assault incident at a restaurant in Kisii Town and is currently being held at Muthaiga Police Station ahead of his transfer to Kisii for arraignment.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest, saying the lawmaker will be charged in a Kisii court on Wednesday and that the case is being handled in line with standard criminal procedures.
The arrest follows investigations into an incident captured on CCTV footage that has been circulating online. The footage, recorded on November 27 at a Java House outlet in Kisii Town, allegedly shows Kibagendi assaulting a man identified as Enock Omariba Moriasi.
In the video, the MP is seen entering the restaurant wearing jungle green trousers, a black jacket and a mask before confronting Moriasi, who was seated at a corner table. An exchange of words follows before the confrontation escalates, with investigators alleging that Kibagendi kicked Moriasi in the chest, grabbed him by the neck and continued to assault him as other patrons intervened.
DCI confirmed the arrest after Kibagendi claimed on social media that officers “aggressively blocked” him and escorted him to Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi without explaining the reasons for his arrest. “I have been aggressively blocked by DCI officers and arrested, being taken to DCI HQs,” he said, adding: “Someone tell Murkomen and William Ruto that we shall not be intimidated.”
Sources said the MP is expected to be transferred to Kisii to face charges. Mosoku Geoffrey, afriend to the mp said the arrest was carried out despite Kibagendi having obtained anticipatory bail. “Anthony Kibagendi is being transferred to Kisii; police arrested him despite having obtained an anticipatory bail in an assault case,” Mosoku said.
The DCI has not publicly addressed the claim that the MP had anticipatory bail. In a brief statement, the agency said the arrest was lawful and based on ongoing investigations, noting that the suspect will be charged as provided for under the law.
