‘Moment of Shame’: Gachagua Speaks After Attack at Limuru Burial

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence following a chaotic incident at a funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County, where armed goons disrupted the service and attacked mourners indiscriminately.

Speaking through a statement on X, Gachagua accused the government of deliberately withdrawing his security to leave him vulnerable, claiming it was part of a larger scheme targeting him after his recent impeachment.

“Earlier this week, the government withdrew my remaining security following the contested impeachment process. We chose not to challenge this decision, trusting the State to ensure the safety of all former leaders. Today’s incident, however, reveals a deliberate intent to leave me exposed to such violence,” he wrote.

Gachagua recounted the harrowing events that unfolded during the burial of a young man, Erastus Nduati. He noted that mourners, including women and children, were attacked indiscriminately, with the assailants using crude weapons such as stones, machetes, and iron bars.

“While we were preparing to lay the young man to rest, goons attacked mourners present, including children. Armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks, they descended randomly on those gathered,” he said.

The former Deputy President detailed how his car became a specific target as he attempted to leave the chaotic scene.

“A specific group followed me as I headed to my car and proceeded to attack it with stones and iron bars. We managed to drive out of the venue under a hail of rocks, narrowly escaping serious harm,” he added, sharing photos of his damaged vehicle.

Gachagua expressed dismay at what he described as the State’s complicity in the attack, condemning the apparent disregard for public safety.

“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the State, which was clearly complicit in these actions. My thoughts are especially with the bereaved family who had to flee for safety in the midst of their grief,” he lamented.

Despite the ordeal, Gachagua vowed to continue supporting Kenyans, emphasizing that such incidents would not deter him.

“We will not be scared away from standing with Kenyans who need us in their moments of need. I trust that such a terrible moment of shame will not be repeated.”

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.