Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that police were aware of plans to disrupt a funeral in Limuru last Thursday.
Speaking on NTV, Gachagua questioned the absence of uniformed officers at the high-attendance event, noting that only plainclothes officers were present but failed to intervene when chaos erupted.
“This is a small area, and people know the local police officers. They saw them at the funeral, but they did nothing to prevent the violence,” he claimed.
According to Gachagua, the bereaved family had formally requested four uniformed officers to manage security, anticipating the large turnout. He further alleged that police had prior knowledge of the plans to cause disruption.
“Every speaker at the funeral was appealing for peace, urging those who had been sent to disrupt the event to refrain,” Gachagua added.
The chaos unfolded as suspected goons attacked mourners during the burial of Erastus Nduati at Bibirioni Boys High School. Stones and iron bars were hurled, forcing mourners, including the grieving family, to flee for safety.
Gachagua, who was in attendance, claimed that a group of attackers targeted him as he headed to his vehicle, pelting it with stones and iron bars.
“This is a sad and shameful moment for the State, which was clearly complicit in these actions,” he said, alleging government involvement in the incident.
The former Deputy President stated he was driven out under a barrage of stones but vowed not to be intimidated. “We will not shy away from standing with Kenyans in their moments of need. We hope such a terrible episode will not be repeated.”
He expressed regret for the grieving family, who had to seek safety amid their mourning. “It’s unfortunate that as we prepared to lay Erastus Nduati to rest, goons armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks disrupted the funeral, causing distress to mourners, including children,” he said.
