NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned an attack that disrupted a funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County, on Thursday, where mourners were assaulted by armed individuals.
Gachagua, who narrowly escaped the chaos, claims the attack was politically motivated and facilitated by the withdrawal of his security detail earlier in the week.
The funeral for a young man, Erastus Nduati, descended into mayhem when a group of assailants, armed with crude weapons, stormed the ceremony.
The attackers targeted mourners indiscriminately, injuring women and children, and damaged vehicles, including one belonging to Gachagua.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua accused the government of deliberately exposing him to danger by removing his security.
“Earlier this week, the government withdrew the final aspects of my security after the impeachment process we are contesting. While we didn’t challenge this decision, it’s expected that any Kenyan who has served at such a high level of government would still be afforded some security. However, it now appears this move was intended to leave me vulnerable to attacks like the one we witnessed today,” he said.
Gachagua described the harrowing scene, noting the attackers were armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks.
“While preparing to lay the young man to rest, goons attacked us and other mourners present, including children. They randomly descended on people and followed me as I went to my car, which they attacked with stones and iron bars. We drove away under a hail of rocks,” he recounted.
Photos shared online show a damaged vehicle, underscoring the intensity of the assault.
Gachagua expressed disappointment in the government, alleging complicity in the incident.
“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, which was clearly complicit in these actions. It’s especially heartbreaking for the grieving family who had to flee for safety despite their profound loss,” he said.
Despite the ordeal, Gachagua vowed to continue supporting Kenyans and standing with those in need.
He urged the authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Gachagua, who narrowly escaped the chaos, claims the attack was politically motivated and facilitated by the withdrawal of his security detail earlier in the week.
The funeral for a young man, Erastus Nduati, descended into mayhem when a group of assailants, armed with crude weapons, stormed the ceremony.
The attackers targeted mourners indiscriminately, injuring women and children, and damaged vehicles, including one belonging to Gachagua.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua accused the government of deliberately exposing him to danger by removing his security.
“Earlier this week, the government withdrew the final aspects of my security after the impeachment process we are contesting. While we didn’t challenge this decision, it’s expected that any Kenyan who has served at such a high level of government would still be afforded some security. However, it now appears this move was intended to leave me vulnerable to attacks like the one we witnessed today,” he said.
Gachagua described the harrowing scene, noting the attackers were armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks.
“While preparing to lay the young man to rest, goons attacked us and other mourners present, including children. They randomly descended on people and followed me as I went to my car, which they attacked with stones and iron bars. We drove away under a hail of rocks,” he recounted.
Photos shared online show a damaged vehicle, underscoring the intensity of the assault.
Gachagua expressed disappointment in the government, alleging complicity in the incident.
“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, which was clearly complicit in these actions. It’s especially heartbreaking for the grieving family who had to flee for safety despite their profound loss,” he said.
Despite the ordeal, Gachagua vowed to continue supporting Kenyans and standing with those in need.
He urged the authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.
