NAROK, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of shielding individuals he says are linked to the killing of Mt Elgon parliamentary aspirant Nathan Masai Wasama.
Gachagua made the revelations on Monday while addressing residents in Nairakia-Enkare, Narok East, claiming that Wasama had reported threats against his life to police on five occasions before he was killed.
According to Gachagua, authorities failed to act on the warnings despite the alleged threats.
“A candidate for the Mt. Elgon parliamentary seat, Nathan Wasama, reported to the police five times that someone had threatened to kill him, yet the police took no action,” Gachagua said.
Wasama, a former Chesikaki Ward councillor and businessman, was shot at his home in Tuikut, Cheptais, Bungoma County, on August 6, 2026.
He later succumbed to his injuries.
He had recently declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua alleged that the individual who had allegedly threatened Wasama remained free because of protection from senior government officials.
He further claimed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had deployed six police Land Cruisers to protect the alleged suspect instead of having the person arrested and questioned.
Gachagua also accused Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohamed Amin of being used to cover up murders, specifically referring to Wasama’s killing.
“Previously, I mentioned that an individual named Mohamed Amin is being used to cover up murders in Mt. Elgon,” Gachagua alleged.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Wasama had survived earlier attack
Wasama had previously survived an apparent assassination attempt in 2024.
According to reports, armed men attacked him in the Kapcheshari area and opened fire at his vehicle.
Several bullets struck the vehicle, but he escaped unharmed.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also said Wasama had reported the earlier incident to police but that no action was taken.
He called for investigations into the latest killing and urged security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has separately called for a swift and impartial investigation into the killing.
“I call upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation to ensure justice is served,” Barasa said.
Gachagua vows to visit Mt Elgon
Gachagua said he would travel to Mt Elgon to mobilise residents to demand justice for Wasama.
“I will personally visit Mt. Elgon to mobilize the people to demand that the politician’s killer be arrested,” he said.
He also linked the case to his broader criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration and said those responsible for killings would face prosecution if he becomes President.
“Next year, when I am the President of the Republic of Kenya, those responsible will be arrested and taken to court,” Gachagua said.
Investigations into Wasama’s killing are ongoing, and authorities have yet to publicly establish the motive for the shooting or announce suspects.
