Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has canceled his planned appearances at a funeral in Molo and a church event in Pipeline, Nakuru, citing heightened security concerns following a chaotic incident in Limuru. The upheaval, which occurred during a funeral at Bibirioni Boys High School, saw mourners scatter as unknown individuals disrupted the gathering.
Former Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri attributed Gachagua’s decision to mounting security threats after the Limuru disturbance. The incident has drawn sharp criticism, including from Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who labeled the events as state-sponsored attacks. However, both the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, have dismissed allegations of state involvement, attributing the chaos to a failure of advanced intelligence.
Details of the Limuru Incident
The chaos unfolded on Thursday during the funeral service of a prominent community member. As former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi addressed mourners, individuals began throwing objects, including chairs, forcing attendees to flee. Deputy President Gachagua, who was present, had his convoy damaged in the melee.
Dr. Anne Mungai, the wife of Mwathi, alleged that her husband was forcibly taken away in a dramatic abduction. “My husband’s vehicle was sandwiched between two unmarked Subaru cars, and he was whisked away. This is a man who has faithfully served the people of Limuru,” Dr. Mungai stated, pleading for his release.
She described the scenario as one of terror, with the attackers seemingly coordinated in their actions. The vehicles involved reportedly bore no license plates, adding to the mystery surrounding the incident.
Government and Political Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and political discourse. Kalonzo Musyoka was particularly vocal, accusing the state of being complicit in the attack and abduction. “Despite denials from security agencies, the evidence suggests this was a state-sponsored event,” Musyoka claimed.
Meanwhile, Senators Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu) and John Methu (Nyandarua) visited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Friday morning, demanding clarity on Mwathi’s whereabouts. The legislators claimed the former MP had been arrested by police during the funeral chaos but said they received no assistance in locating him.
In response, National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango refuted these allegations, stating, “The National Police Service did not arrest Hon. Peter Mwathi, and he is not a person of interest to the Police.”
DCI Summons Leaders for Questioning
As investigations intensified, the DCI summoned several leaders, including Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, for questioning. This move suggests the authorities are working to unravel the events leading to the disruption and subsequent claims of abduction.
The summons further complicates an already murky situation, with accusations flying and no clear resolution in sight. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to uncovering the truth, but political figures and their supporters continue to express skepticism about the government’s role in the incident.
Impact on Scheduled Events
The incident has already had significant repercussions, with Gachagua opting to cancel public engagements in Nakuru County. The decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential risks to security at public events.
The Deputy President’s absence at the planned funeral and church service has disappointed local communities, but his team insists the move was necessary to prioritize safety.
As tensions rise, there is growing pressure on law enforcement to provide a transparent account of the Limuru incident. Community leaders and political analysts have urged calm while investigations proceed.
With the matter now under scrutiny from both security agencies and political circles, the hope is that clarity will emerge regarding the alleged abduction and the chaos that marred the funeral. For now, the incident remains a flashpoint in a region already grappling with political and social tensions.