Scenes after goons disrupted a funeral ceremony in Limuru./POOL
A funeral ceremony in Limuru was disrupted by suspected goons, causing chaos and forcing mourners to flee in fear. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was in attendance, narrowly escaped the violence.
The disturbance occurred as the ceremony was underway, with a group of intruders emerging from behind the tent where Gachagua and other leaders were seated. The attackers, armed with plastic chairs, began throwing them at mourners as they scattered in all directions to seek safety.
Videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) show the violent scene, where the rowdy group continued their attack on vehicles, vandalizing them with the thrown chairs.
The chaos unfolded shortly after a speaker began addressing the gathering, with the microphone cutting out moments before the attack. Just as another microphone was brought to the speaker, the violence erupted, disrupting the entire ceremony.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, who was seated beside Gachagua, called the attack an assassination attempt on the former Deputy President.
“It was an assassination attempt. But the People’s Deputy President is safe. Asanteni sana, watu wa Limuru, for ensuring our safety. We will not be intimidated or silenced—now we know,” Thangwa stated on social media following the incident.
Although the extent of injuries was not immediately clear, photos circulating online showed vehicles damaged by the attackers. The former Deputy President was quickly whisked away by his security team to safety.
This incident adds to a series of events where Gachagua has claimed that his life has been under threat. Just days earlier, he reported seeing unmarked vehicles trailing him, which he believes are linked to security agents monitoring his movements.
He expressed concern over the growing intimidation, stating on X: “In this era of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances, I have thought it important to share with Kenyans the harassment and intimidation I am going through, and inform them to hold the state responsible if I am harmed by state agents.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismissed Gachagua’s claims, calling them false after reports emerged that unmarked vehicles were attempting to prevent the former Deputy President from attending a church service in Nairobi.
The DCI stated, “We want to clarify that these allegations are entirely false and seem to be aimed at misrepresenting the actions and intentions of the DCI. The DCI operates within the parameters established by the rule of law.”
This is the second time Gachagua has voiced concerns about his safety since leaving office, with the Limuru incident raising alarm over the continued threats he perceives. The former DP’s supporters and local leaders have vowed to stand firm and not be intimidated by these actions.
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