Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, confirmed that Waititu was ambushed while going about his business along the Eastern Bypass.

Waititu is currently being held at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, accompanied by his lawyer and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa. "My client has been arrested by DCI officers, and we are now at the DCI headquarters," Ndegwa stated.

The arrest stems from accusations that Waititu made hate speech remarks in his native Kikuyu language during a previous event in Kiambu County. "They allege he made an utterance of hate speech in Kikuyu," Ndegwa added.

The lawyer claims the arrest is a move to pressure Waititu into self-incrimination, instructing his client to remain silent under the constitutional right to refrain from self-incrimination. Ndegwa further argued that the arrest is an attempt to curtail Waititu's freedom of expression, as protected by Kenya's Constitution.

The legal team is currently negotiating with detectives to secure Waititu's release on bail or bond while investigations continue. "We have requested his release on bail and are awaiting further directions," Ndegwa told the press.

Waititu, a known ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has openly supported the embattled leader, which some speculate may have played a role in his arrest.