Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has declined to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding the chaos that erupted at a funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County, last weekend. Despite honoring a summons to appear before detectives at the DCI headquarters, Thang’wa, accompanied by former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, chose to exercise their constitutional right to remain silent.
The senator made it clear that while they were seated in the boardroom at DCI HQ, officers were holding consultations outside. Thang’wa stated, “We have been in a boardroom at DCI HQ on Kiambu Road since 08:00 hours. We chose to exercise our constitutional right to remain silent and have declined to provide any information, as we are not obligated to assist the DCI with their investigation.” He also expressed frustration at the situation, adding, “In the meantime, we are doing nothing in this boardroom while the officers engage in extensive consultations outside. We are unaware of whom they are consulting, but I’m sure you can make an educated guess.”
The incident, which occurred on November 28, left several mourners injured when suspected goons attacked the funeral event. The attack took place at the Bibirioni Boys High School playground during the funeral of Erastus Nduati, a young man. The chaos escalated as mourners were forced to flee for their safety, with some sustaining injuries from crude weapons used by the attackers. Among the prominent figures present at the funeral was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who narrowly escaped unhurt, though his cars were damaged.
Thang’wa, who was one of the political leaders summoned for questioning over the violence, alleged that the DCI had initially declined to meet them at their Kiambu headquarters and instead summoned them to Nyeri. He labeled the move as “intimidation” aimed at silencing them. “They refuse to meet us at the CID headquarters on Kiambu Road but shamelessly summon us to Nyeri over an incident that occurred in Limuru. This intimidation will neither intimidate nor silence us,” Thang’wa wrote in a post on social media platform X. He also confirmed his intention to attend the meeting in Nyeri, adding, “See you in Nyeri tomorrow at 10 am.”
Gachagua, who had attended the funeral, recounted the terrifying experience, claiming that the attackers specifically targeted him and the mourners. He described how the goons, armed with crude weapons, indiscriminately attacked both women and children. The former deputy president also linked the attack to a broader concern about his security. Gachagua alleged that the State had intentionally withdrawn his security detail, leaving him vulnerable. “Earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security that were in place after the impeachment process we are contesting. We did not raise the issue with this decision although expectations were that any Kenyan who has served at the level of government that I was privileged to serve at, would be secured by the government even after leaving office,” he said. “However, it now looks like the decision to withdraw my security was to leave me exposed to the kind of attack we have witnessed today.”
While Gachagua and Thang’wa have been vocal about their allegations, the DCI has yet to make any official comments on the investigation. The incident has sparked intense political debate, with some leaders expressing concern over the safety of high-ranking officials and the potential political motivations behind the attack. The situation has also raised questions about the state of security in the country, especially for former government officials.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what action, if any, will be taken to address the escalating tensions in Limuru and the broader political implications of the attack.
