Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made serious allegations against the government, claiming that state actors were responsible for the chaos that unfolded at a funeral in Limuru. According to Gachagua, a group of suspected goons attacked mourners during the funeral, and he himself was targeted after the ceremony as he tried to leave the venue. The incident, which has sparked public outrage, has raised questions about the level of political influence and security manipulation in the country’s current political climate.
Gachagua, who had attended the funeral of a local leader in Limuru, described the scene as one of intimidation and violence. As he left the venue, he claimed that a specific group of individuals, whom he believed were linked to the government, followed him to his car. These individuals, Gachagua said, began throwing stones and wielding iron bars in an attempt to attack him. The former deputy president further stated that he was forced to leave the scene hurriedly as the attackers escalated their efforts.
“This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state,” Gachagua said, condemning the actions of the attackers and accusing them of being complicit in the violence. “It’s clear that certain elements within the government orchestrated this attack on me and the mourners.”
The alleged assault has sparked outrage both in political circles and among the general public. Critics of the government have seized upon Gachagua’s accusations as evidence of a broader pattern of politically motivated violence. While Gachagua stopped short of naming specific individuals or groups within the government, his comments suggest a deep level of frustration with the current administration and its handling of political dissent.
The incident in Limuru comes at a time when the country is already experiencing heightened political tension. Following the 2022 elections, the political landscape has been characterized by divisions between the ruling party and the opposition, with both sides accusing each other of using violence and intimidation to suppress political rivals. Gachagua’s statements have fueled speculation that the government may be using violent tactics to silence its critics.
Gachagua’s claims are particularly significant given his position as a former deputy president and current member of the opposition. His words carry weight, as he has been a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration. Over the past year, Gachagua has increasingly aligned himself with opposition leaders, voicing concerns about what he perceives as the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.
For many, the violence at the Limuru funeral highlights a concerning trend of political intimidation. Gachagua’s allegations that government forces were involved in the attack raise serious questions about the security apparatus and its role in maintaining law and order. The use of goons to carry out politically motivated attacks has long been a problem in Kenyan politics, with allegations of such tactics dating back to the early days of multi-party politics in the 1990s.
The government, for its part, has yet to issue a public response to Gachagua’s accusations. However, several government officials have dismissed the claims as baseless, suggesting that Gachagua may be exaggerating the events for political gain. Despite these denials, the incident has left many wondering about the state of political violence in Kenya and what it means for the future of the country’s democratic institutions.
As the dust settles from the Limuru funeral incident, calls for accountability are growing louder. Political analysts argue that this event could have long-term implications for the stability of the nation, with growing mistrust between the government and opposition. Whether or not Gachagua’s claims of state involvement are proven true, the violence at the funeral has shone a spotlight on the ongoing struggle for power in Kenya and the lengths some may go to maintain control.
In the coming days, it is expected that more details will emerge, but for now, Gachagua’s accusations stand as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of political discourse and the potential for violence in an increasingly polarized political environment.
