Ex-DP Gachagua claims government behind violent assault at funeral in Limuru

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused unnamed individuals in the government of attempting to harm him during a violent incident at a funeral he attended in Limuru, Kiambu County, on Thursday.

Several mourners were injured, and Gachagua’s car was stoned, causing damage to its rear screen.

Taking to his X account, the former deputy president said he believes the attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and pointed the finger at government operatives.

Gachagua, who was attending the funeral of 23-year-old Erastus Nduati, described how a group of attackers armed with stones, machetes, and iron bars targeted mourners, including children.

He said the goons followed him to his car, where his vehicle was attacked with stones and iron bars as he was forced to drive away under a hail of rocks.

"This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, who were complicit in these actions. We just especially remember the family that had a loved one in a casket, who had to run to safety despite their profound grief," Gachagua said.

“We will not be scared away from standing with Kenyans who need us to support them in their moments of need. We just expect such a terrible moment of shame will not be repeated."

He also claimed that earlier this week, the government withdrew his security, which he believes left him vulnerable to such an assault.

As Kenyans are well aware earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security that was in place after the impeachment process we are contesting.

However we did not raise issue with this decision by government although expectations were that any Kenyan pic.twitter.com/584YkEmJSY

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) November 28, 2024

"As Kenyans are well aware, earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security following the impeachment process we are contesting. Although we did not raise an issue with this decision, we expected that any Kenyan who has served at the level I did would still be protected. However, it now seems the withdrawal of my security was meant to expose me to attacks like the one we witnessed today," Gachagua said.

The former DP had not addressed the mourners when the violence erupted. Rowdy youths first attempted to bring down the tent under which he was seated with some of his loyalists.

The chaos intensified when former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi began speaking about the 2027 political landscape, prompting someone to cut off the public address system.

Soon after, the attackers stormed the tent where Gachagua was seated. Security personnel quickly shielded Gachagua and escorted him to his vehicle.

Other dignitaries present, including MPs John Kiragu, Karungo Wa Thang'wa, Onesmus Ngogoyo, John Kaguchia, and several MCAs, were caught up in the chaos.

Gachagua’s allies were quick to accuse President William Ruto’s supporters of orchestrating the attack. Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa claimed the violence was part of a larger plot to undermine Gachagua’s political influence.

"This was a well-planned attack by known individuals. Their aim is to make Gachagua vulnerable," Thang'wa said.

"They want to create the illusion of tension in Mt Kenya, but the reality is that some people have lost favour with the people, and now they are trying to prevent Gachagua from reaching voters."

In recent weeks, President Ruto and his loyalists have faced hostile receptions at public functions in Mt Kenya, including an incident in Embu County where Ruto was jeered by a crowd.

The tensions have escalated since Gachagua’s impeachment and the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.