In a dramatic turn of events, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was forced to flee for safety during a funeral in Limuru after an attack by armed goons disrupted the solemn ceremony. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Kenya, took place on Thursday 28th November 2024, leaving several mourners injured and vehicles vandalized.
Funeral Turns Chaotic
The funeral was being held to lay to rest a young man named Erastus Nduati. Dignitaries, including Rigathi Gachagua and local leaders, were among the mourners in attendance. Tensions reportedly began to rise during the speech of the Limuru MP, who made remarks that allegedly stirred discontent among certain attendees.
As mourners prepared to pay their last respects, a group of attackers armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks stormed the venue. Chaos erupted as they began attacking the crowd indiscriminately, causing widespread panic. Eyewitnesses reported that even children and grieving family members had to flee for their lives amid the mayhem.
Gachagua’s Security Concerns
Gachagua, who recently faced impeachment and lost his official government security detail, was reportedly targeted during the melee. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share his ordeal, he condemned the attack, stating:
“Today, I was at a funeral service in Limuru for a young man called Erastus Nduati. While we were preparing to lay the young man to rest, goons attacked us and the other mourners who were present, including children. The gangsters were armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks.”
The former Deputy President detailed how his motorcade came under attack as he attempted to leave the venue. His car was pelted with stones and iron bars, forcing his driver to speed away under a barrage of rocks.
Allegations Against the State
In his statement, Gachagua accused the state of complicity in the attack. He claimed the withdrawal of his security detail was a calculated move to leave him vulnerable to such threats, saying:
“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, who were clearly complicit in these actions.”
Gachagua expressed sympathy for the grieving family, whose pain was compounded by the violent disruption, and vowed to continue supporting Kenyans despite the threats to his safety.
Public Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their outrage. Supporters of Gachagua and critics of the government decried the attack as an affront to democracy and the rule of law.
One user wrote:
“You hounded this man out of office like a dog. Now you are sending your GOONS to lynch him at a funeral. Leave Rigathi Gachagua alone!”
Another supporter hailed Gachagua as a leader of the people, adding:
“Rigathi Gachagua is a man of the people, but being attacked in Limuru by sponsored goons is bad. My President 2027.”
Government Response Awaited
As of now, there has been no official response from the government regarding the incident. Local police have launched an investigation into the attack, but no arrests have been made. Political analysts suggest that the attack may be tied to the heightened political tensions following Gachagua’s impeachment.
Political Undercurrents
Gachagua’s impeachment and subsequent security withdrawal have been a contentious issue in Kenyan politics. While his critics cite allegations of misconduct, his supporters believe the move was politically motivated to silence him.
This latest incident is likely to deepen the divide between Gachagua’s allies and his detractors. It also raises questions about the safety of political leaders who find themselves at odds with the state.
Call for Accountability
Human rights groups and political observers have called for a thorough investigation into the attack, urging the government to ensure the safety of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations. Speaking on a local TV station, a political analyst remarked:
“This is not just an attack on Rigathi Gachagua but on the democratic principles we hold dear. The government must act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
A Cry for Unity
Despite the traumatic experience, Gachagua remains defiant, stating that he will not be intimidated into abandoning his mission to serve Kenyans. His resolve has earned him both admiration and criticism, as the political landscape in Kenya continues to evolve.
