In a statement released on his social media platforms on Wednesday, January 21, the former Vice President alleged that the government is deliberately targeting political opponents through what he described as selective arrests and abuse of legal processes.
Kalonzo claimed that Kibagendi was effectively abducted by security officers before being transported across regions and charged far from the location of his arrest, a practice he termed “persecution by geography.”
“Abducting citizens and political opponents like Anthony Kibagendi, transporting them across the country, and charging them at police stations far from where their alleged crimes were committed is not justice,” Kalonzo said. “It is persecution by geography.”
According to Kalonzo, the arrest of the Kitutu Chache South legislator is part of a broader pattern in which the government uses fear and coercion to suppress dissent.
He argued that the administration believes intimidation can silence critics and discourage public opposition.
The Wiper leader further insisted that expressing political opinions is protected under the Constitution of Kenya and should not be criminalised.
The Wiper leader further insisted that expressing political opinions is protected under the Constitution of Kenya and should not be criminalised.
“Expression of opinion is not a crime. It is a constitutional right, not a favour from the state,” he stated.
Kalonzo accused President Ruto of violating the 2010 Constitution, which he said the Head of State swore to uphold, protect, and defend.
Kalonzo accused President Ruto of violating the 2010 Constitution, which he said the Head of State swore to uphold, protect, and defend.
He maintained that no level of intimidation would silence Kenyans or erode their constitutional freedoms.
The remarks followed the arrest of MP Kibagendi on January 20, when officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended him in Nairobi before detaining him at Muthaiga Police Station.
The remarks followed the arrest of MP Kibagendi on January 20, when officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended him in Nairobi before detaining him at Muthaiga Police Station.
The MP later complained that the arrest was conducted aggressively, alleging that his vehicle was forcefully blocked by officers.
On Wednesday, January 21, Kibagendi was arraigned at the Narok Law Courts, a move that intensified criticism from the opposition due to the distance between the court and the place of arrest.
On Wednesday, January 21, Kibagendi was arraigned at the Narok Law Courts, a move that intensified criticism from the opposition due to the distance between the court and the place of arrest.
He was released on a cash bail of Ksh100,000.
Kibagendi was charged with assault, stemming from a December incident in which he was captured in a viral video involved in a physical altercation with a man at a restaurant in Kisii Town.
Kibagendi was charged with assault, stemming from a December incident in which he was captured in a viral video involved in a physical altercation with a man at a restaurant in Kisii Town.
The MP pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court set the hearing date for March 2.
The opposition has seized on the circumstances of the arrest and arraignment to renew claims of politically motivated prosecutions.
The opposition has seized on the circumstances of the arrest and arraignment to renew claims of politically motivated prosecutions.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns in recent months over alleged abductions and harassment of individuals perceived to be critical of the government.
One of the most controversial cases cited by opposition leaders is the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, who was reported missing after attending a church service before being found injured in a coffee plantation.
One of the most controversial cases cited by opposition leaders is the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, who was reported missing after attending a church service before being found injured in a coffee plantation.
At the time, opposition figures accused state agencies of orchestrating the incident, alleging that Koimburi had been tortured.
However, in early January 2026, Koimburi later claimed that the abduction had been staged to attract public attention following a fallout with opposition leaders, casting doubt on some claims of enforced disappearances and complicating the broader debate.
Despite the controversy, Kalonzo maintains that the arrest of Kibagendi fits a worrying pattern of state overreach and misuse of law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices.
However, in early January 2026, Koimburi later claimed that the abduction had been staged to attract public attention following a fallout with opposition leaders, casting doubt on some claims of enforced disappearances and complicating the broader debate.
Despite the controversy, Kalonzo maintains that the arrest of Kibagendi fits a worrying pattern of state overreach and misuse of law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices.