Leaders Condemn Attack at Limuru Funeral: Calls for Political Tolerance Grow

NAIROBI, Kenya – Leaders condemn Thursday’s violent attack that disrupted a burial ceremony in Bibirioni, Limuru, Kiambu County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua narrowly escaped unhurt.

The chaos, reportedly orchestrated by suspected hired goons, turned the solemn event into a scene of destruction.

Vehicles were stoned, tents uprooted, and chairs shattered, forcing mourners, including Gachagua and his allies, to flee for safety. Several people sustained injuries, and property was damaged in the melee.

Witnesses described the incident as chaotic, with mourners scrambling to escape the violence.

In a wave of reactions on social media, political and civic leaders decried the attack, calling for an end to political intolerance and violence.

NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua denounced the attack, linking it to what she termed as government failures:

“The barbaric attack on @rigathi, members of parliament, and mourners in Limuru today is unacceptable and should not occur in a civilized society. This coming after the withdrawal of his security must be wholly blamed on the Ruto regime. Like all citizens, he deserves to be free and secure at all times.”

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ urged leaders to focus on national issues rather than political vendettas:

“We must all condemn the rising crescendo of political violence and intolerance. Kenyans want a solution to the urgent economic and social problems facing them. This continued obsession with #Gachagua is unhelpful and will only convert monsters into martyrs.”

Former MP Cate Waruguru lamented the disruption of the funeral and drew parallels to past incidents:

“The thought of hiring goons to stone vehicles and disrupt a sendoff ceremony of a well-respected member of the community for political reasons is evil and selfish. May the perpetrators of the heinous acts witnessed in Limuru today be ashamed. Lest we forget, similar incidents of violence were meted to the then DP in Kondele in 2022. Regretfully, the more things change, the more they remain the same.”

Prominent businessman Jimi Wanjigi joined in the condemnation, calling for accountability:

“I wish to condemn wholeheartedly the sponsored violence meted on innocent mourners at a funeral in Limuru today! This is not the Kenyan way, and this must be condemned by all! Wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the mourners poleni sana, and the perpetrators a condemned life!”

The attack has reignited debates about rising political intolerance in Kenya, with calls for swift investigations and accountability.

Meanwhile, residents and leaders alike have expressed solidarity with the affected families, urging a peaceful resolution to political differences.