Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of being complicit in the violent attack on mourners at a funeral in Limuru, where a group of suspected goons targeted him and others attending the service.
Speaking out after the incident, Gachagua revealed that as he was leaving the funeral, a group of assailants followed him to his car, attacking it with stones and iron bars. The violent scene escalated, and the former Deputy President was driven out of the venue amid a hail of stones.
“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the State, who were clearly complicit in these actions,” Gachagua stated. “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.”
The attack, Gachagua emphasized, was not only an assault on him but also on grieving family members and other mourners, including children. He expressed regret that the family of the deceased had to flee for their safety while still in profound mourning.
As the funeral proceedings for Erastus Nduati were underway, Gachagua described how the attackers, armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks, descended on the mourners. They used whatever they could find, including plastic seats, to assault those present.
Gachagua further revealed that just days before the attack, the government had withdrawn the remaining aspects of his security, following the impeachment process. While he did not raise an immediate issue with this move, he noted that, as a former government official, he expected continued security. He expressed concern that the withdrawal of his security was intended to leave him vulnerable to such attacks.
The violence occurred while former area MP Peter Mwathi was addressing the gathering. Mwathi had paused his speech to get a new microphone when the attackers launched their assault.
Gachagua has vowed to continue standing in solidarity with the Kenyan people despite these acts of intimidation. He called for an end to such violent incidents and urged the government to take responsibility for the actions of those involved.
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