Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned an attack on mourners, including himself, during a funeral service in Limuru on Thursday, November 28, 2024, attributing the incident to the withdrawal of his government security.
Speaking hours after the harrowing ordeal, Gachagua expressed dismay at what he described as a deliberate exposure to violence.
“As Kenyans are well aware, earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security after the impeachment process we are contesting. Although we did not raise issue with this decision, it now appears it was intended to leave me vulnerable to such an attack,” he said.
The attack occurred during a funeral service for Erastus Nduati, a young man Gachagua described as a promising individual.
According to him, a group of armed individuals disrupted the service, targeting mourners indiscriminately with stones, machetes, iron bars, sticks, and even plastic chairs.
Gachagua recounted the moment the attackers turned their attention to him.
“A specific group followed me as I went to my car, which they proceeded to attack with stones and iron bars. We literally drove out of the venue under a hail of rocks,” he revealed.
He expressed particular concern for the grieving family, who, despite their loss, were forced to flee for their safety.
“This is a very sad state of affairs. The family had to abandon their moment of mourning to escape the chaos. It is a major low for the state, which was clearly complicit in these actions.”
Gachagua call for accountability
Gachagua, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration, stated that such incidents would not deter him from standing with Kenyans.
“We will not be scared away from supporting those who need us in their moments of need. We just expect such a terrible moment of shame will not be repeated.”
The former Deputy President’s security withdrawal has been a contentious issue, especially in light of the ongoing legal challenge against his impeachment.
Critics have accused the government of exposing former high-ranking officials to unnecessary risks, citing Gachagua’s ordeal as a stark example.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, who was with Gachagua during the attack, voiced his concerns, stating that they would not be intimidated or silenced through such incidents.
“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!” Thang’wa stated.
Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, who also accompanied Gachagua to the event, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a coordinated attack by organized goons in a regrettable turn of events.
Kaguchia expressed concern that opposition to the former Deputy President has escalated to acts of violence and intimidation.
“It is shocking that those opposing Gachagua have resorted to violence and goonism. Is this why all his security was withdrawn?” Kaguchia questioned.
He urged the perpetrators of the chaos to cease their actions, warning that such behaviour was steering the country in the wrong direction.
The government has yet to issue a statement on the attack or respond to Gachagua’s accusations of complicity.
Meanwhile, calls for a thorough investigation into the incident are growing as Kenyans question the state of security in public spaces.
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions in the country following Gachagua’s impeachment and his subsequent legal battle to contest the process.
Observers suggest that the incident could further deepen divisions and spark debates over the treatment of former public officials.
