The Calculated Attack on Gachagua Revealed

An investigation into the chaotic events surrounding the burial of Erastus Nduati has revealed that police failed to act on multiple warning signs of potential violence targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The incident, which forced Mr Gachagua to flee for his safety, unfolded on Thursday at Bibirioni, where tensions appeared to have escalated well in advance of the funeral. Sources indicate that plans for the attack were orchestrated as early as Wednesday, following news of Mr Gachagua’s intention to attend the burial and contribute Sh50,000 to the family. This contribution followed a request from the organizing committee, as confirmed by Joseph Karanja Muchai, also known as Shujaa, who was involved in the funeral arrangements.

Despite possessing intelligence regarding the likelihood of unrest, particularly in light of past incidents following Mr Gachagua’s impeachment, a senior police officer has disclosed that higher authorities discouraged any preemptive security measures. It has since been reported that groups of young men, reportedly transported from various locations including Kabete, Kikuyu, Limuru, and Kiambaa, converged on the burial site as early as 8 am, before the procession arrived from the mortuary.

Witness accounts describe how these young men, who did not belong to the local area, engaged in disruptive behaviour and positioned themselves near the VIP section. They launched stones at the dais, dismantled tents, and utilized sticks and other implements to attack Mr Gachagua’s motorcade and his political allies. In response to the situation, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Mohammed Amin stated on Friday that the lack of actionable intelligence contributed to the attacks, asserting that an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators and those who incited the violence.

Notably, Mr. Amin has denied having any prior knowledge of a planned assault. Incidents of alleged abduction further complicate the narrative, with former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi and Bibirioni Ward MCA Christopher Ireri claiming they were forcibly taken from the scene and later abandoned near Ruiru. Mr Amin urges anyone impacted by such occurrences to file reports at police stations to facilitate the investigation process. The chaos erupted amidst Mr Mwathi’s speech, highlighting tensions between him and his successor Peter John Kiragu who sat distanced from the VIP section.

Mr Gachagua on Thursday alleged that the attackers were politically motivated and backed by his rivals. Amidst these developments, questions emerge regarding the honesty of Mr Mwathi’s claimed abduction. The National Police Service refutes claims that he was taken by officers and attempts to reach Mr Mwathi by Nation media for comment yesterday were unsuccessful as his phone was reported off. The police continue to call for the submission of information to assist in ongoing investigations.

The funeral was held for 23-year-old Nduati who was fatally slashed to death after a dispute with his brother. The family is now burdened by financial obligations due to damages incurred to the rented tents and chairs.