The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi was arrested following chaotic scenes during a burial at Bibirioni Boys High School in Limuru, Kiambu County. Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango clarified that Mwathi is neither under arrest nor a person of interest in the incident.
“We wish to clarify that the National Police Service did not arrest Hon. Peter Mwathi, and he is not a person of interest to the Police,” Onyango stated.
The denial comes amid accusations by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who alleged that Mwathi was apprehended by unknown individuals in unmarked Subaru vehicles during the Thursday chaos. Speaking at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Friday morning, the senators said they were there to ascertain Mwathi’s whereabouts but were met with no assistance.
“We came here because we wanted to find the whereabouts of the former MP for Limuru, Peter Mwathi, because he was abducted by men in Subarus. However, the Director of Investigations refused to listen to us and walked away,” Senator Thang’wa alleged.
Chaos at the Funeral
The altercation occurred as Mwathi addressed mourners during the funeral service. A group of individuals began hurling objects, including chairs, causing panic among attendees. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was also present at the event, was caught in the commotion. Reports indicate that his motorcade sustained damage in the fracas.
Dr. Anne Mungai, Mwathi’s wife, expressed concerns about her husband’s safety, claiming he was forcibly taken away as the chaos unfolded. She recounted how Mwathi’s vehicle was allegedly blocked by two unmarked Subaru cars.
“Mine is just to ask for the release of my husband. He has attended many funerals in Limuru and served the people diligently. During the chaos, the car he entered was sandwiched by two Subarus without number plates, and he was abducted by force,” Dr. Mungai lamented.
Her emotional plea added to the uncertainty surrounding Mwathi’s situation, prompting political leaders to seek clarity from law enforcement.
Police Response
The NPS’s statement denying involvement in Mwathi’s alleged abduction has added a layer of complexity to the unfolding events. The absence of clear information has fueled speculation and concern within the political circles of Kiambu County.
Summons for Leaders
In a related development, the DCI summoned Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and other leaders for questioning on Friday morning. While the exact reason for the summons remains unclear, it is suspected to be linked to the events that transpired at the funeral.
Senator Thang’wa maintained that they were acting in good faith to locate Mwathi, asserting that the silence from authorities only deepened fears of foul play.
Political Tensions Escalate
The incident has sparked political tension in the region, with leaders calling for transparency and justice. The presence of Gachagua at the chaotic event has further fueled speculation about potential political undertones behind the fracas.
Mwathi, a former MP known for his engagement with local issues, has been a prominent figure in Limuru politics. The incident at Bibirioni Boys High School underscores the fragile nature of political events in Kenya, where personal safety often comes into question during public gatherings.
As investigations continue, many are awaiting further clarification from the authorities to resolve the mystery surrounding Mwathi’s alleged abduction and the chaotic scenes at the funeral. Whether the situation was politically motivated or a random act of disruption remains to be seen.
