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A somber funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu County, descended into chaos on Sunday when goons disrupted proceedings, targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other mourners. The service, held in memory of the late Erastus Nduati, took a violent turn, leaving several people injured and sparking condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum.
The disruption began as former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi addressed the mourners, delivering a speech critical of the government’s treatment of Gachagua. Mwathi accused the current administration of stripping the former DP of his security detail, an act he described as unjust. “This leader worked so hard during his time. And when you formed the government, they turned on him. But I’ll tell you, God is still on the throne,” Mwathi stated passionately.
Midway through his address, technical issues interrupted the microphone, but the tension in the crowd escalated when a group of unidentified men stormed the venue. They toppled tents, destroyed chairs, and hurled stones, throwing the gathering into panic. Mourners fled in all directions, with some trying to fight back by throwing plastic chairs at the attackers.
Amid the chaos, Gachagua’s vehicle became a direct target. Stones shattered its rear window as his security team scrambled to escort him to safety. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the former DP’s car sped away under a barrage of projectiles. The aftermath left several mourners nursing injuries, with some requiring hospital treatment.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, who accused the government of complicity in the violence. The withdrawal of Gachagua’s security detail earlier this week was cited as a precursor to the attack, leaving him vulnerable.
Speaking after the incident, Gachagua lamented the state of affairs, linking the violence to what he termed as a broader campaign of intimidation against him. “Today, while mourning a young man called Erastus Nduati, goons armed with stones, machetes, and iron bars attacked us randomly. They even followed me to my car, hurling stones as we escaped. This is a sad moment for Kenya and a major low for the state,” he said in a statement issued via his X official account.
He also expressed sympathy for the bereaved family, who, in the midst of their grief, had to flee for safety. “This was not just an attack on me but an insult to decency and humanity. We must ensure such shameful acts are never repeated,” Gachagua added.
Political leaders from both sides of the divide condemned the incident, terming it a threat to democracy and security. Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua described the attack as “barbaric,” adding, “This must not happen 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.”
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka was equally outraged. “How can the Kenya Kwanza regime hire goons to attack mourners, including the former Deputy President? This is state-sponsored terrorism!” he declared.
By press time, the government was yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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