KIAMBU, Kenya – Police heightened security outside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi ahead of a scheduled grilling of Kiambu Senator Karung’o Thang’wa and former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi over a chaotic funeral incident in Limuru.
The deployment included anti-riot officers and water cannons at the Mazingira Building, as authorities prepared for possible unrest.
Thang’wa, alongside allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is under investigation following the November 28 fracas that erupted during the burial of 23-year-old Erastus Nduati at Bibirioni village in Limuru Constituency.
The DCI confirmed ongoing probes into the event, where mourners were attacked, and property was damaged.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin promised stern action against those responsible, cautioning against baseless allegations.
“The incident in Limuru is being investigated, and appropriate action will be taken against both the perpetrators and instigators,” said Amin, urging those with information to report to authorities.
Police spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango dismissed reports of Mwathi’s arrest, clarifying that he was not a person of interest but was addressing mourners when the violence broke out.
“Unknown individuals began hurling objects and chairs, forcing mourners to flee,” she explained.
Authorities suspect malicious damage to property and injuries caused by the chaos, but only one formal complaint has been lodged.
Thang’wa, summoned after a large crowd chanted anti-government slogans during his earlier appearance in Nyeri, accused the government of using the DCI as a tool for intimidation.
He, along with Nyandarua Senator John Methu, described the violence as an attempt on Gachagua’s life.
Gachagua himself has alleged that the chaos was orchestrated and linked to the recent withdrawal of his security detail.
“This attack appears deliberate. The withdrawal of my security left me exposed to such incidents,” he claimed.
Witnesses reported that the attackers wielded crude weapons, targeting mourners indiscriminately, including women and children.
Gachagua stated he escaped unharmed but decried the violence as politically motivated.
DCI detectives in Limuru are recording statements from the victim’s family and other witnesses as they work to unravel the events.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Despite the heightened tensions, Onyango reaffirmed the National Police Service’s impartiality and commitment to the rule of law.
“The safety of all Kenyans remains our priority,” she said.
The deployment included anti-riot officers and water cannons at the Mazingira Building, as authorities prepared for possible unrest.
Thang’wa, alongside allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is under investigation following the November 28 fracas that erupted during the burial of 23-year-old Erastus Nduati at Bibirioni village in Limuru Constituency.
The DCI confirmed ongoing probes into the event, where mourners were attacked, and property was damaged.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin promised stern action against those responsible, cautioning against baseless allegations.
“The incident in Limuru is being investigated, and appropriate action will be taken against both the perpetrators and instigators,” said Amin, urging those with information to report to authorities.
Police spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango dismissed reports of Mwathi’s arrest, clarifying that he was not a person of interest but was addressing mourners when the violence broke out.
“Unknown individuals began hurling objects and chairs, forcing mourners to flee,” she explained.
Authorities suspect malicious damage to property and injuries caused by the chaos, but only one formal complaint has been lodged.
Thang’wa, summoned after a large crowd chanted anti-government slogans during his earlier appearance in Nyeri, accused the government of using the DCI as a tool for intimidation.
He, along with Nyandarua Senator John Methu, described the violence as an attempt on Gachagua’s life.
Gachagua himself has alleged that the chaos was orchestrated and linked to the recent withdrawal of his security detail.
“This attack appears deliberate. The withdrawal of my security left me exposed to such incidents,” he claimed.
Witnesses reported that the attackers wielded crude weapons, targeting mourners indiscriminately, including women and children.
Gachagua stated he escaped unharmed but decried the violence as politically motivated.
DCI detectives in Limuru are recording statements from the victim’s family and other witnesses as they work to unravel the events.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Despite the heightened tensions, Onyango reaffirmed the National Police Service’s impartiality and commitment to the rule of law.
“The safety of all Kenyans remains our priority,” she said.
