NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused police of failing to act on intelligence about planned violence at a funeral in Limuru, leaving mourners vulnerable to attacks by armed goons.
Speaking on NTV, Gachagua criticized the absence of uniformed officers at the event despite the high attendance and prior warnings of potential unrest.
“The family had requested four uniformed officers to ensure order, but none were present, even with thousands expected,” said Gachagua.
He alleged that plainclothes officers were at the scene but did nothing to prevent the chaos.
Gachagua recounted that while speakers at the funeral repeatedly called for peace, violence erupted as a group of armed individuals targeted mourners.
He claimed that the attackers specifically followed him to his car, pelting it with stones and hitting it with iron bars.
“It’s shocking that the State could allow such lawlessness, or worse, appear complicit in it,” he remarked.
The former DP condemned the attack as a “major low for the State,” stating that the incident underscored a worrying lapse in public safety and governance.
He expressed dismay over the ordeal, particularly for the grieving family of Erastus Nduati, who had to flee for their safety during the ceremony.
“This is a tragic reflection of our times. Such acts of violence during a solemn occasion are unacceptable,” Gachagua said. Despite the harrowing experience, he vowed to continue standing with Kenyans in moments of need. “We will not be intimidated by these shameful acts.”
The attack, which involved stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks, left mourners, including children, scrambling to safety.
Gachagua called for an investigation, saying, “The truth about who orchestrated this chaos must come to light to ensure it does not happen again.”
Speaking on NTV, Gachagua criticized the absence of uniformed officers at the event despite the high attendance and prior warnings of potential unrest.
“The family had requested four uniformed officers to ensure order, but none were present, even with thousands expected,” said Gachagua.
He alleged that plainclothes officers were at the scene but did nothing to prevent the chaos.
Gachagua recounted that while speakers at the funeral repeatedly called for peace, violence erupted as a group of armed individuals targeted mourners.
He claimed that the attackers specifically followed him to his car, pelting it with stones and hitting it with iron bars.
“It’s shocking that the State could allow such lawlessness, or worse, appear complicit in it,” he remarked.
The former DP condemned the attack as a “major low for the State,” stating that the incident underscored a worrying lapse in public safety and governance.
He expressed dismay over the ordeal, particularly for the grieving family of Erastus Nduati, who had to flee for their safety during the ceremony.
“This is a tragic reflection of our times. Such acts of violence during a solemn occasion are unacceptable,” Gachagua said. Despite the harrowing experience, he vowed to continue standing with Kenyans in moments of need. “We will not be intimidated by these shameful acts.”
The attack, which involved stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks, left mourners, including children, scrambling to safety.
Gachagua called for an investigation, saying, “The truth about who orchestrated this chaos must come to light to ensure it does not happen again.”
